The Bureau of Customs (BOC) through the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA), intercepted an outbound cargo containing rare and highly valued agarwood weighing one kilogram and worth PhP750,000 on January 31, 2025, at a warehouse in Pasay City.

The shipment, declared as dried wood chips, was subjected to thorough physical examination, which revealed that it contained agarwood—one of the most valuable and highly sought-after woods globally due to its use in perfumery, traditional medicine, and luxury products.

The said exportation is violative of the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act (CMTA), the Forestry Reform Code of the Philippines (PD 705), and the Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act (RA 9147), which regulate the trade and exportation of endangered and protected species.

Included in the operation is the Environmental Protection Compliance Division (EPCD) of the BOC Enforcement Group, while the confiscated agarwood will be turned over to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) for proper handling and disposition.

Aligned with President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr.’s directive to strengthen environmental protection and combat illegal wildlife trade, the Bureau of Customs remains steadfast in its commitment to preventing the unlawful exportation of endangered species and preserving the country’s biodiversity.

Customs Commissioner Bienvenido Y. Rubio reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to curbing illegal wildlife trade, stating, “The BOC will continue to uphold strict enforcement measures against wildlife trafficking, ensuring that our borders are not used for illicit activities that threaten biodiversity and environmental sustainability.”

BOC-NAIA District Collector Atty. Yasmin O. Mapa reiterated BOC-NAIA’s unwavering efforts in strengthening enforcement measures and collaboration with regulatory agencies to combat the illegal trade of protected wildlife and other contraband. #