The International Federation of Red Cross (IFRC) and the Philippine Red Cross (PRC) paid tribute to several government agencies for their exceptional dedication and service during the COVID-19 pandemic. This heartfelt recognition extends to various government agencies, including the BOC, for their tireless efforts in supporting the nation’s battle against the virus.

On May 23, 2024, the Bureau of Customs (BOC) – Port of Davao, in coordination with the Task Force Davao (TFD), seized PhP 17.7 million worth of smuggled cigarettes. The intercepted items consisted of 15,150 reams of cigarettes, 35 sacks of assorted shoes, and 1 unit of truck.

In a strong show of unity and shared commitment in moving the nation forward, the Bureau of Customs (BOC) and the country’s industry leaders convened the first General Assembly of the Customs Industry Consultative and Advisory Council (CICAC) to streamline customs clearance processes, achieve revenue targets, and address industry-specific challenges.

As part of the ongoing efforts to enhance trade facilitation, the BOC is working towards the full implementation of the National Single Window (NSW) and ASEAN Single Window (ASW) initiatives.

The Bureau of Customs (BOC) – Collection District X has issued a Warrant of Seizure and Detention against heavily tinted van loaded with 2,899 reams of undocumented Fort and Cannon Methol cigarettes intercepted during a checkpoint in Brgy. Maria Cristina, Iligan City with the Traffic Enforcement Unit of the Iligan City Police Office (ICPO) on May 16, 2024.

In line with the Philippines’ commitment to the World Trade Organization-Trade Facilitation Agreement (WTO-TFA), the Bureau of Customs (BOC), with support from the Philippine Trade Facilitation Committee (PTFC), conducted the 1st National Time Release Study – Technical Working Group (NTRS-TWG) Meeting on May 21, 2024, at the DOF Building, Manila.

The Bureau of Customs (BOC) has taken a significant step towards enhancing airport security by installing state-of-the-art scanning machines at key international airports. The deployment of the Rapiscan 920CT (Computed Tomography) and the Tek84 Intercept body scanner is a testament to the BOC’s commitment to improving the detection of illicit items, thereby ensuring passenger safety.

The Bureau of Customs – Intelligence Group (BOC-IG) took a significant step towards enhancing inter-agency coordination and border security by hosting its 3rd Inter-Agency Intelligence Summit in Cebu on May 16, 2024. This event brought together law enforcement counterparts from the Visayas, creating a platform for exchanging best practices and intelligence strategies.

The Bureau of Customs (BOC) Collection District X has taken custody of 28,202 reams of undocumented cigarettes intercepted by the 2nd Mechanized Infantry Brigade, Armor Division, Philippine Army, at a checkpoint in Brgy. Magoong, Linamon, Lanao del Norte, on May 14, 2014.

On May 15, 2024, during the Department of Finance’s (DOF) Executive Committee meeting with the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) and the Bureau of Customs (BOC), Commissioner Bienvenido Y. Rubio provided a comprehensive update on the bureau’s accomplishments and ongoing initiatives across the agency’s various operational areas.