The Bureau of Customs (BOC), together with the PHIVIDEC Industrial Authority (PHIVIDEC-IA) and Mindanao International Container Terminal Services, Inc. (MICTSI), has entered into a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) on 9 June 2026, granting the BOC the exclusive use of a 10,000-square-meter area within the Mindanao Container Terminal (MCT) in Tagoloan, Misamis Oriental.
Aligned with President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr.’s directive, the agreement aims to enhance customs operations and improve port efficiency in Northern Mindanao. It allocates a dedicated space to the Bureau of Customs (BOC) to facilitate the better management of seized goods and the execution of enforcement activities without disrupting the flow of legitimate trade.
The MOA was formally signed by BOC Commissioner Ariel F. Nepomuceno, PHIVIDEC-IA Administrator and Chief Executive Officer Atty. Joseph Donato J. Bernedo, and MICTSI President and General Manager Aurelio C. Garcia.
Under the terms of the agreement, the BOC is authorized to utilize the designated area for the temporary storage, examination, custody, control, handling, safekeeping, and inventory of seized containers, vehicles, and other non-hazardous goods. The facility will also serve as a staging ground for enforcement operations, ensuring compliance with customs laws and regulations.
The provision of a dedicated area directly addresses operational challenges related to the handling of confiscated goods. It enhances the BOC’s ability to conduct inspections, safeguard seized items, and manage cases more efficiently.
By centralizing these activities, the agreement aims to alleviate congestion at the port, streamline processes, and expedite decision-making in enforcement actions. Furthermore, this initiative fosters enhanced coordination among port stakeholders.
“This partnership with PHIVIDEC-IA and MICTSI is vital in supporting the Bureau of Customs’ operational requirements. Sisiguraduhin po natin na magagamit ito nang maayos at naaayon sa batas, especially sa proper handling and safekeeping of seized goods. This will further help us on the port’s operational needs and to serve the public better and respond faster,” Commissioner Nepomuceno said.
The partnership between the BOC, PHIVIDEC-IA, and MICTSI highlights the value of inter-agency and public-private collaboration in advancing efficient and secure port operations. With clearer processes and improved infrastructure support, the Mindanao Container Terminal is positioned to facilitate smoother cargo movement while maintaining strong enforcement measures.
