In a joint operation on December 3, 2023, the Bureau of Customs (BOC) – Port of Davao and the Naval Forces Eastern Mindanao (NFEM) successfully intercepted illicit contraband in Sultan Kudarat, South Cotabato. This operation led to the apprehension of 454 master cases containing 22,700 reams of assorted brands of cigarettes, with a combined estimated value of P17,025,500.00. The motorized banca used to transport the smuggled cigarettes was likewise seized during the operation.

The Bureau of Customs Port of Cagayan de Oro, in collaboration with the BOC Intelligence Group (IG), intercepted two smuggled luxury vehicles misdeclared as used truck replacement parts at the Mindanao Container Terminal in Tagoloan, Misamis Oriental, on December 15, 2023.

The Bureau of Customs (BOC) and the ARISE Plus Philippines recently convened the Executive Sessions focusing on e-Commerce De Minimis Threshold and Taxation Regulations at the Makati Diamond Residences, Makati City. This initiative is part of the support extended by ARISE Plus Philippines, implemented by the International Trade Centre (ITC) as a technical agency, to the BOC under their Project on “Strengthened Trade Facilitation Capacity for implementing the CMTA and WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement (WTO TFA).”

The Bureau of Customs (BOC) received recognition during the “2023 Ease of Doing Business Convention”, hosted by the Anti-Red Tape Authority (ARTA) at the Philippine International Convention Center last December 1, 2023. In the said event, the BOC’s significant role in enhancing efficiency and reducing red tape was duly cited and acknowledged.

In line with the priority program of Bureau of Customs (BOC) Commissioner Bienvenido Y. Rubio, the BOC has once again exceeded its monthly collection target by generating over P75.338 billion for the month of November 2023. This performance surpassed the assigned target for the month by 1.5%, representing a revenue surplus of P1.089 billion based on the initial report from the BOC’s Financial Service.

In its commitment in facilitating secure trade, the Bureau of Customs (BOC), under the leadership of Commissioner Bienvenido Y. Rubio, has earned recognition for its promotion and timely implementation of the exchange of electronic documents through the ASEAN Single Window (ASW) regional platform. This acknowledgment took place during the 31st meeting of the ASEAN Single Window Steering Committee (ASWSC) held at the Diamond Hotel, Manila, from November 29 to December 1, 2023.

The Bureau of Customs – Ninoy Aquino International Airport (BOC-NAIA), in coordination with the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA), and NAIA Inter-Agency Drug Interdiction Task Group (NAIA-IADITG), intercepted a parcel containing approximately 9,898 grams of shabu (methamphetamine) with an estimated street value of P67,306,400.00 at the Paircargo Warehouse, Pasay City.

Clark Freeport Zone, Pampanga – Through its strengthened profiling capabilities, the Bureau of Customs – Port of Clark uncovered 135.24 grams of cocaine valued at P716,772.00 on November 22.

The Bureau of Customs – Port of Clark, through its intensified border security measures, seized 488 grams of High-Grade Marijuana or Kush with an estimated value of P805,200.00 concealed inside a parcel declared as “replacement filter” from California, USA.

The Bureau of Customs, Port of Zamboanga, destroyed 5,624 master cases and 1,171 reams of seized and forfeited smuggled cigarettes on November 30, 2023, in a customs-rented warehouse in Brgy. Tetuan, Zamboanga City.