ILOILO City – Student smoking violations in Iloilo City nearly tripled in just three months, surging by 195 percent from June to August 2026 and raising concerns over tobacco and vape use among young people.
Records from the Iloilo City Anti-Smoking Task Force (ICAST) showed student apprehensions jumping from only 20 in June to 51 in July and 59 in August — bringing the three-month total to 130.
“The number of student violators has continued to increase, from 20 in June to 51 in July and 59 in August,” ICAST Director Iñigo Garingalao said.
The increase from 20 apprehensions in June to 59 in August represents a 195-percent surge, with August posting the highest number of student violators during the three-month period.
ICAST also apprehended nine minors — three in June, one in July and five in August.
Garingalao stressed that the apprehension figures should not be interpreted to mean that smoking is widespread among all students in the city, as the data cover only violations documented during enforcement operations.
The sharp rise in student cases came as overall violations of the city’s anti-smoking and vaping regulations also increased.
ICAST recorded 3,480 apprehensions from June through August — 1,115 in June, 1,151 in July and 1,214 in August.
“From June to August, we recorded a total of 3,480 apprehensions. Of these, 130 involved students and nine involved minors. We are monitoring these violations because we need to ensure compliance with the city’s anti-smoking ordinance,” Garingalao said.
He said the growing number of student violators requires sustained enforcement as well as greater awareness of the city’s smoking and vaping restrictions.
“We are not only looking at the total number of apprehensions, but also the types of violations and the sectors involved. The increase in student violators is something that we need to address through continued enforcement and awareness,” he said.
Civilians comprised the overwhelming majority of violators during the period, accounting for 3,061 apprehensions, while drivers accounted for 289 cases.
Traditional cigarettes remained the leading source of violations, with 3,103 apprehensions during the three-month period. Monthly cigarette-related apprehensions rose from 995 in June to 1,115 in August.
Another 617 cigarette violators were apprehended from Sept. 1 to 15.
Vape and electronic cigarette violations totaled 377, including 158 cases in July and 99 in August. Another 67 vape-related violations were recorded from Sept. 1 to 15.
ICAST said it would continue monitoring compliance with Iloilo City’s Comprehensive Anti-Smoking and Vaping Ordinance, with particular attention to violations involving students and other young people.
Under Regulation Ordinance No. 2021-255, violators face a P1,500 fine and/or imprisonment of up to three days for a first offense.
A second offense carries a P2,000 fine and/or imprisonment of up to five days, while third and subsequent offenses are punishable by a P5,000 fine and/or imprisonment of up to 10 days, subject to the court’s decision.
Establishments that allow smoking or vaping, fail to display required signage, or illegally advertise tobacco products may also face fines and the suspension or revocation of their business permits./PN
