Barangay Central Bicutan and Taguig City Police Station have initiated an Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) campaign addressing the growing menace of prohibited Thûoc Láo or "Tuklaw" (Black Cigarettes).
Students from the Upper Bicutan Elementary School, Upper Bicutan National High School, and Maria Asuncion Rodriguez Tiñga High School were the primary audience of this campaign.
Under the leadership of Police Captain Joel James Jose De Guzman of Taguig Police Sub-Station 7, Captain Rodjie Tangpuz, Councilor Vena Castro, and Councilor Cris Sanares, the harmful effects of Tuklaw cigarettes were explained to the students.
The youth were also encouraged to avoid any vices that could be detrimental to their health, future, and overall wellbeing.
Tuklaw is made from a wild tobacco plant known as Nicotiana rustica which contains up to 9% nicotine, three to nine times higher than regular cigarettes.
It has been found that Tuklaw, allegedly originating from Vietnam, contains additional synthetic chemicals mimicking the effects of marijuana, rendering it stronger and more toxic.
Users have reportedly experienced convulsions or seizures, paralysis, hallucinations, psychotic episodes, and vomiting.
It can also be lethal.
Barangay Central Bicutan expressed its gratitude for the cooperation of Dr. Erlinda Butcon, principal of UBES; Dr. Gil Teodoro, principal of UBNHS, and Mr. Jose Mark Bolivar, principal of MRTHS.
