The Bureau of Customs (BOC) successfully held its second “Customs Community Caravan: Awareness Campaign Against Parcel Scams” on November 25, 2024, at the San Juan City Hall. The initiative aims to educate the public on recognizing and avoiding parcel scams and other cybercrimes, empowering communities to protect themselves from such fraudulent schemes.

Commissioner Bienvenido Y. Rubio, Assistant Commissioner Atty. Vincent Philip C. Maronilla, San Juan City Mayor Francisco Javier “Francis” M. Zamora and Vice Mayor Atty. Jose Angelo Rafael “AAA” E. Agcaoili graced the event, alongside officials from the BOC – Ninoy Aquino International Airport Deputy Collector for Assessment Atty. Harold S. Agama, Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center (CICC) International Cooperation on Cybercrime Division and Cybercrime Policy and Planning Division Chief Mark Dennis D. Derecho, DHL Express Philippines Corporation Customs and Regulatory Affairs Manager Atty. Norberto V. Castillo, and representatives from San Juan City’s local government units.

The caravan featured insightful discussions led by CICC representative Mr. Kirt Militante and BOC – Public Information and Assistance Division Officer-in-Charge Karren April A. Noronio-Gabion, who highlighted the prevalence of cybercrimes, including the “love scam” modus. Atty. Castillo and Acting Sub-Port Collector Atty. Vincent James V. Fajardo from the BOC Central Mail Exchange Center provided practical guidelines on customs clearance for postal items and parcels sent via DHL Express.

Through the presentations, the agency calls for vigilance in online interactions, stressing the importance of education and community action to safeguard individuals from falling victim to scams, as the Bureau is committed to expanding the program nationwide and enhancing public awareness to protect Filipino communities.

In his remarks, Mayor Zamora expressed his appreciation for the BOC’s proactive engagement with local communities, underscoring the significance of raising awareness about parcel scams. He encouraged San Juaneños to seize the opportunity to learn and share the knowledge gained, stating, “Ito pong gagawin natin ngayon ay makakadagdag upang lalong maging maayos at mapayapa ang aming lungsod sapagkat ayaw naman namin, ang aming mga mamamayan ay maging biktima po ng cybercrime, lalong-lalo na itong parcel scam – Gamitin natin ang pagkakataon na ito para makinig, matuto, at ang pinakamahalaga ay maipaalam natin sa ating mga mamamayan paano ba maiwasan ang mga budol-budol sa pamamagitan nitong parcel scam.”

Commissioner Rubio delivered a compelling message emphasizing the need for collective action to combat scams exploiting technology and online platforms. “Layunin naming makapaghatid ng serbisyo publiko sa mas marami pa nating kababayan, upang mas maraming tao ang mabigyan ng edukasyon at kaalaman sa pag-iwas sa mga parcel scams at iba pang uri ng cybercrime – Makakaasa po kayo na mas paiigtingin ng Bureau of Customs ang mga hakbang sa pagbabantay at pagpapalaganap ng kamalayan upang tiyakin ang kaligtasan ng bawat Pilipino. Naniniwala kami na ang tagumpay ng kampanyang ito ay nakasalalay sa ating sama-samang pagkilos bilang iisang komunidad,” he stated.

This program is part of the BOC’s comprehensive campaign to enhance public awareness and protect communities from scams and cybercrimes. With plans to expand the initiative nationwide, the Bureau remains steadfast in its commitment to equipping the public with the knowledge and tools to safeguard themselves and their loved ones. ###