ILLEGAL VAPES

COTABATO CITY — The National Bureau of Investigation – Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (NBI-BARMM) has arrested an individual for the illegal sale of unregistered vapor products in a buy-bust operation.

John Rheven R. Mallari was apprehended on August 5, 2025, in Cotabato City for alleged violations of Republic Act No. 11900, also known as the “Vaporized Nicotine and Non-Nicotine Products Regulation Act,” and Republic Act No. 7394, the “Consumer Act of the Philippines.”

According to the NBI, the operation was initiated following a letter from the Department of Trade and Industry’s Office for Special Mandate on Vaporized Nicotine and Non-Nicotine Products (DTI-OSMV), which provided guidance for enforcement actions.

NBI agents conducted surveillance and a test-buy to confirm the existence of a vape store selling products without proper signage and with some items lacking the required Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) stickers. During the entrapment, Mallari reportedly cooperated and handed over the vapes that were missing the BIR stickers.

Mallari was placed under arrest, informed of his constitutional rights, and brought to the NBI-BARMM Office. He has since been submitted for inquest proceedings before the Prosecutor’s Office of Cotabato City.

NBI Director Judge Jaime B. Santiago (Ret.) praised the NBI-BARMM for the successful operation, highlighting the bureau’s commitment to pursuing individuals involved in illegal activities.