MAASIN CITY, June 4 (PIA) -- A roller truck on Monday rendered useless an estimated 1,000 reams of confiscated cigarettes here, a first-of-its-kind of show, sending a message to smokers that this Red Orchid Hall of Famer awardee LGU will not rest on its victories.
Bursts of “popped” sounds were heard as the “pison” thundered over the scattered packs, rolling at least three times to ensure nothing was missed.
Each pack was then opened out, with Mayor Nacional Mercado and Vice Mayor Maloney Samaco leading the city hall employees in throwing the damaged pieces to drums filled with water.
The activity was held right after the regular flag-raising ceremony in front of the city hall in connection with the World No Tobacco Day observance.
Mayor Mercado, in a brief talk before the “crushing show,” touted employees who still smoke in secret to grab their share before the iron-tired truck does its job, an “invitation” that was met with demurred smiles.
Originally placed in several big cartoon boxes, the stocks were raided on May 8 by a combined team of the city’s policemen led by P/Col. Mark Nalda, chief of police, and Healthy City Initiative enforcers headed by Christopher Plateros.
In February this year, before the height of the COVID crisis, the same store which is located within the heart of the city and very near a private school was raided, with Mayor Mercado personally serving the closure order.
City Vice Mayor Maloney Samaco said the establishment is closed for good for violating the anti-smoking national law and smoking ban city ordinance.
A case of smuggling has been considered, as the seized items lacked BIR seals, Samaco also said. (ldl/mmp/PIA8-Southern Leyte)
Source: Philippines Information Agency (pia.gov.ph)
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