DUMAGUETE CITY, March 1 -- The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) in Negros Oriental on Thursday told establishments not to sell vape devices to minors or face stiff penalties.

DTI-Negros Oriental spokesperson Krystle Jade Bato told the Philippine News Agency that this is in line with a law that lowered the minimum age of purchasers of e-cigarettes and nicotine or non-nicotine vaporized products from 21 to 18.

"Because of the adjustment of the legal age for vaping under Republic Act 11900 or the Vaporized Nicotine and Non-Nicotine Products Regulation Act, the DTI is campaigning against selling these products to the youth for health and safety reasons," Bato said.

The DTI here has connected with a group that advocates against vaping...