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.

The Bureau of Customs (BOC) at the Port of Manila (POM) successfully intercepted a shipment declared as ‘Vermicelli and Custard Sauce’ from Pakistan, which arrived on January 15, 2025, and was found to contain methamphetamine hydrochloride, commonly known as ‘shabu,’ valued at approximately PhP2.7 billion.

The Bureau of Customs (BOC) through the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA), intercepted an outbound cargo containing rare and highly valued agarwood weighing one kilogram and worth PhP750,000 on January 31, 2025, at a warehouse in Pasay City.

The Bureau of Customs (BOC), as Chair of the National Single Window – Technical Working Group (NSW-TWG), participated in the Special Session of the National Single Window Steering Committee (NSWSC) on 30 January 2025 at the Podium Conference Room, Department of Finance (DOF) Building, Manila City.

The Bureau of Customs (BOC) participated in the Capacity Building Program under the Bulk and Breakbulk Cargo Clearance Enhancement Program (BBBCCEP) from January 13 to 18, 2024, in Bangkok, Thailand, to enhance technical expertise in cargo surveying techniques, reinforcing its commitment to trade facilitation and supply chain security.