In line with its enhanced enforcement measures against illegal importation, the Bureau of Customs (BOC), through the Port of Legazpi—Enforcement and Security Service (ESS), has reinforced its collaboration with partner law enforcement agencies to safeguard public health and uphold the integrity of the textile industry. As part of these efforts, the BOC has taken custody of 45 bales of used clothing “Ukay-Ukay” worth approximately PhP291,000, which were apprehended by Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) thru operations in Pasacao and Sorsogon.

The Bureau of Customs (BOC) made substantial progress in improving customs processes in 2024, embracing technology and collaboration to help businesses and individuals navigate trade more smoothly. Key regulatory initiatives and digital advancements have contributed to these improvements, with a primary focus on streamlining operation, improving efficiency, and increasing revenue collection.

The Bureau of Customs (BOC), in coordination with the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA), successfully intercepted 28.296 kilograms of high-grade marijuana, commonly known as Kush, with an estimated value of PhP39.6 million. The illegal drugs were discovered inside a consolidated shipment of balikbayan boxes that arrived at the Manila International Container Port (MICP) from Canada.

As part of its intensified campaign against illegal drugs, the Bureau of Customs (BOC) through the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA), intercepted six inbound parcels containing kush, a high-grade strain of marijuana, at the Central Mail Exchange Center (CMEC) in Pasay City.

The Bureau of Customs (BOC), under Commissioner Bienvenido Y. Rubio, has significantly intensified its efforts to combat smuggling and illegal trade in line with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to safeguard national security and economic stability. Recognizing that smuggling not only undermines government revenues but also threatens local industries, public safety, and food security, the BOC has ramped up its enforcement actions to protect the country’s borders.

Commissioner Bienvenido Y. Rubio of the Bureau of Customs (BOC) was honored for his exemplary contributions to public service and leadership at the Top 50 Influential People of the Philippines awards ceremony on February 10, 2025, in Bonifacio Global City.

In line with President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr.’s directive to intensify the fight against smuggling, the Bureau of Customs (BOC) supported the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) in a successful operation against fuel smuggling at Marina Beach, Brgy. Alas-asin, Mariveles, Bataan, on February 7, 2025.

Championing the modernization of customs practices and the advancement of global trade, the Bureau of Customs (BOC) actively participated in the World Customs Organization (WCO) Global Forum on Origin Interconnectivity held on 3-4 February 2025 at the WCO Headquarters in Brussels, Belgium.

The Bureau of Customs (BOC), through the Port of Cebu in collaboration with the Seaport Inter-Agency Drug Interdiction Task Group-VII (SIDITG-VII), intercepted two suspects carrying 25 kilograms of Methamphetamine Hydrochloride, commonly known as “Shabu,” valued at approximately PhP170 million during a targeted anti-drug operation at Pier 5, Cebu City. 

The Bureau of Customs (BOC) celebrated its 123rd founding anniversary on February 7, 2025, at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC), with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. as the guest of honor. The event brought together key government officials and customs personnel to highlight the agency’s achievements, ongoing modernization efforts, and steadfast commitment to integrity in public service.