Manila, Aug. 15 -- The National Tobacco Administration (NTA) on Friday warned the public that "Tuklaw" or Thuoc Lao cigarettes are illegal in the Philippines.

The agency issued the reminder following law enforcement alerts on the brand's potential health effects, after users, including teenagers, reported seizure-like symptoms.

NTA Administrator Belinda Sanchez said "Tuklaw" has no import license.

She urged the public to immediately report to authorities any availability of "Tuklaw" cigarettes in their localities.

"Increasing our efforts to fight the illicit tobacco trade will improve the country's image in the global market," she said.

Based on the NTA's latest findings, "Tuklaw" entered the country through various ports, including ...