Marking the start of his second year at the Bureau of Customs (BOC), Commissioner Ariel F. Nepomuceno has declared an all-out war against smugglers while implementing a one-strike policy for erring Customs personnel, underscoring that the fight against illicit trade and internal corruption will remain among the BOC’s top priorities.
“Sa umpisa ng ikalawang taon natin sa BOC, makakaasa ang ating mga kababayan ng mas agresibong pagtugis sa mga smuggler at pagpapanagot sa ating mga tauhan. Let the recent apprehensions of illicit cigarettes worth billions be a declaration of war against smuggling activities and the strict enforcement of a zero-tolerance policy on our personnel,” Commissioner Nepomuceno said.
He also noted that as the Bureau continues to strengthen its border protection measures, smuggling syndicates have become increasingly adaptive, resorting to alternative routes and methods to evade customs laws, including the use of private wharves and vessels. He emphasized that these evolving tactics require an equally dynamic response from the Bureau through stronger enforcement, innovation, and enhanced operational capabilities.
The Commissioner directed all collection districts to intensify intelligence gathering, risk profiling, and enforcement operations, while strengthening coordination with the Philippine Coast Guard, Philippine Navy, Philippine National Police, National Bureau of Investigation, local government units, and other law enforcement partners.
“Wala nang puwang para sa complacency. As smugglers evolve their methods, Customs must be faster, smarter, and more coordinated. Kaya mas paiigtingin natin ang intelligence-sharing at joint operations kasama ang ating partner agencies upang mapigilan at mapanagot ang mga nasa likod ng mga iligal na aktibidad na ito,” he said.
Commissioner Nepomuceno likewise emphasized the BOC’s commitment to modernization, noting that digital transformation, intelligence-driven enforcement, and capacity-building for Customs personnel must move forward together.
“While we continue advancing modernization and digitalization, hindi tayo maghihintay para kumilos. We have to level up our operations now and maintain the momentum of our reforms,” he said.
The Commissioner also reiterated his one-strike policy for BOC personnel, warning that employees found to be involved in corruption, smuggling activities, or any act that undermines the integrity of the Bureau may be immediately relieved or removed from their posts.
The Commissioner also encouraged the public to support the BOC’s anti-smuggling efforts through the Isumbong Kay Commissioner platform (https://isumbongkaycomm.customs.gov.ph/).
“Ang laban kontra smuggling ay hindi lamang laban ng Bureau of Customs. Kung may alam kayo, magsumbong kayo. Through Isumbong Kay Commissioner, every credible tip can help us uncover smuggling activities and hold violators accountable,” he said.
The BOC remains committed to protecting the country’s borders, facilitating legitimate trade, and ensuring that smugglers and their cohorts are brought to justice.
