In a decisive move to start the year, the Bureau of Customs (BOC) successfully executed a high-stakes enforcement operation on January 8, 2026, seizing eight high-value luxury vehicles with an estimated total value of ₱143 million.
The operation, conducted at a multi-level parking facility in Taguig City, was triggered by actionable intelligence provided by the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI). This mission aligns with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive for stricter enforcement against illicit activities that undermine public trust, particularly those linked to anomalies in major infrastructure and flood control projects.
Acting on court-issued search warrants for violations of the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act (CMTA), a composite team led by the Customs Intelligence and Investigation Service (CIIS) and the Enforcement and Security Service (ESS) carried out the raid.
To ensure full transparency and accountability, the implementing team utilized body-worn cameras to document the entire process. The search was conducted in the presence of legal counsels for the property management and local barangay officials.
The operation resulted in the discovery of eight out of nine targeted luxury units. Due to the sensitivity of the investigation, the vehicles have been transferred to the ICI Office in Bonifacio Global City for temporary safekeeping, under 24/7 security by the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG).
The success of the mission was made possible through the combined efforts of several agencies:
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Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI)
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Philippine Coast Guard (PCG)
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Land Transportation Office (LTO)
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Philippine National Police (PNP) & Highway Patrol Group (HPG)
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Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG)
Customs Commissioner Ariel F. Nepomuceno highlighted that this operation is a warning to those involved in large-scale irregularities, including individuals linked to the ongoing flood control project investigations. “This early-year enforcement action demonstrates the Bureau of Customs’ firm dedication to its mandate,” said Commissioner Nepomuceno. “We will continue to pursue coordinated actions against individuals to ensure accountability and protect the interests of the Filipino people.”
The Bureau continues to process the legal proceedings for the seized assets as part of a broader crackdown on smuggling syndicates.
