In his first official policy move as head of the Bureau of Customs (BOC), Commissioner Ariel F. Nepomuceno issued a memorandum on July 2, 2025 suspending the implementation of all previously approved but unserved Letters of Authority (LOAs) and Mission Orders (MOs).

The directive applies to all LOAs and MOs issued prior to July 2 that have yet to be served and covers all units under the Intelligence and Enforcement Groups. The memorandum also instructs concerned Deputy Commissioners to submit a comprehensive status report on all LOAs and MOs issued from January 1 to June 30, 2025, within 24 hours of receipt.

This measure reflects Commissioner Nepomuceno’s intent to review all pending enforcement actions and ensure that operations are properly tracked and aligned with current priorities. “We are implementing this step to clearly determine what actions are still pending and to ensure that all enforcement efforts are legally sound, properly documented, and aligned with the Bureau’s direction moving forward,” he stated.

The suspension is part of a broader effort to restore discipline in field operations, prevent unauthorized or outdated enforcement activities, and reinforce the agency’s commitment to lawful and transparent practices.

The Bureau of Customs remains aligned with the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to professionalize government operations and intensify efforts against smuggling and revenue leakage. The agency continues to uphold its core mandate through effective enforcement and institutional reform.

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Marking a new chapter for the Bureau of Customs (BOC), newly appointed Commissioner Ariel F. Nepomuceno formally assumed office on Tuesday, 01 July 2025.

Commissioner Nepomuceno brings to the BOC years of experience in public service, having previously held key leadership roles including Executive Director of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council and Undersecretary of the Office of Civil Defense.

In line with President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.’s directive to intensify the enforcement of the Anti-Agricultural Economic Sabotage Act, the Bureau of Customs Port of Manila (BOC-POM) seized over ₱34 million worth of misdeclared agricultural products.

The Bureau of Customs (BOC) through Port of Cagayan de Oro (CDO) in coordination with the Department of Agriculture, successfully foiled a smuggling attempt involving an estimated 25,500 kilograms of red onions concealed with boxes of egg noodles, following a spot-check inspection conducted in Mindanao Container Terminal at PHIVIDEC Industrial Authority Compound, Tagoloan, Misamis Oriental.

Consistent with the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s to combat illicit financial activities, the Bureau of Customs – Ninoy Aquino International Airport (BOC-NAIA) intercepted undeclared foreign currency from a departing passenger at NAIA Terminal 3 on June 25, 2025.

In a move to enhance transparency, efficiency, and fairness in the country’s cargo handling and logistics industry, the Bureau of Customs (BOC) has issued Customs Memorandum Order No. 02 2025, an addendum to CMO No. 41 2015, establishing standardized charges for shipments processed by Off-Dock Container Yards (CY) and Container Freight Stations (CFS), including Off-Terminal Customs Facilities and Warehouses (CFWs).

The Bureau of Customs’ (BOC) Customs Intelligence and Investigation Services-Manila International Container Port (CIIS-MICP) on Thursday, June 19, 2025, found and seized P219.5 million worth of smuggled fuel at the La Union Port.

On 18 June 2025, the Bureau of Customs (BOC) joined the Kapihan sa Manila Bay forum to share its ongoing efforts to fight smuggling. With media partners present, the BOC emphasized its strengthened enforcement efforts and coordination with other agencies to block illegal tobacco, vape, cigarette, and other smuggled goods from entering the country.

At the 147th Annual Meeting of the International Trademark Association (INTA) held in San Diego, California, from May 17–21, 2025, the Bureau of Customs (BOC) engaged with global Intellectual Property (IP) experts and enforcement officials. The conference highlighted emerging trends in IP protection and emphasized the importance of international cooperation in addressing cross-border enforcement challenges.

The Bureau of Customs (BOC), through the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA), uncovered several inbound parcels containing an estimated Php16,326,200 worth of illegal drugs at the Central Mail Exchange Center (CMEC). This operation is part of the agency’s intensified border protection efforts and supports the national government’s campaign against illegal drugs, in line with the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.