The Bureau of Customs (BOC) has relieved nine (9) Customs personnel linked to a reported extortion incident at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 3 and has implemented a 24-hour complaint reporting policy to ensure immediate action on personnel misconduct.

Commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno is advancing significant reforms at the Bureau of Customs (BOC) by extending the validity of importer accreditation to three (3) years. This proactive measure, in direct response to stakeholder sentiments and President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to improve ease of doing business, updates Customs Administrative Order No. 07-2022. This amendment extends the accreditation validity from one year to three years, aiming to enhance operational efficiency, integrity, and minimize opportunities for corruption.

On Monday, 14 July 2025, marking his first official meeting with the Finance Secretary, Commissioner Ariel F. Nepomuceno, along with key Bureau of Customs (BOC) officials, discussed critical operational and fiscal matters of the Bureau. This meeting is crucial in setting the agency’s strategic direction for the remaining months of 2025 and draws clear guidance from the Department of Finance (DOF) Secretary, Ralph G. Recto.

Determined to protect the country’s food security and agricultural sector, the Bureau of Customs (BOC), under the leadership of Commissioner Ariel F. Nepomuceno, is advancing a multi-pronged approach to eliminate agricultural smuggling. These efforts include the full automation of customs processes, the proposed implementation of a Pre-Shipment Survey mechanism, and the strict enforcement of the Anti-Agricultural Economic Sabotage Act.

Demonstrating his firm commitment to enforcement and border security, Bureau of Customs (BOC) Commissioner Ariel F. Nepomuceno led the inspection of a consolidated shipment found to contain illegal drugs at the Manila International Container Port (MICP) on July 17, 2025.

The Bureau of Customs – Ninoy Aquino International Airport (BOC-NAIA) seized over 44 kilograms of suspected shabu worth more than PhP304 million in two separate interdiction operations at Terminal 3 on July 14, 2025, in line with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to strengthen border security and fight illegal drugs. The operations targeted two passengers arriving from Hong Kong on separate flights, who were apprehended after BOC X-ray Inspection Project personnel detected suspicious images in their checked-in luggage during routine screening.

In line with the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to intensify border security and prevent the entry of illegal drugs, the Bureau of Customs – Ninoy Aquino International Airport (BOC-NAIA), in coordination with the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) and the NAIA Inter-Agency Drug Interdiction Task Group (NAIA-IADITG), intercepted several inbound parcels containing vape cartridges filled with cannabis oil during routine inspection operations at the Central Mail Exchange Center (CMEC) in Pasay City.

PNP Chief Police General Nicolas D. Torre III visited the Bureau of Customs (BOC) today, renewing the Philippine National Police’s (PNP) commitment to support the BOC in its efforts to combat corruption, smuggling, and national security threats. The visit highlights the continued importance of inter-agency collaboration in advancing public service reforms and building public trust in government.

The Bureau of Customs (BOC) warns the public about a rising number of fake Facebook accounts unlawfully using its name, logo, and branding, including impersonating BOC officials to mislead the public.

In a historic step towards restoring integrity and public trust in the Bureau of Customs (BOC), Commissioner Ariel F. Nepomuceno, on 10 July 2025, has issued a landmark memorandum strictly prohibiting all officials, employees, and personnel from holding any business or financial interest in Customs Brokerage operations. This sweeping reform responds to President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s call for good governance, and is part of the agency’s intensified efforts to eliminate conflicts of interest and reinforce transparency within its ranks.