Customs Commissioner Ariel F. Nepomuceno, has ordered Bureau of Customs’ (BOC) ports nationwide to strengthen security and accountability measures over confiscated illicit cigarettes following reports of attempted theft of seized goods under BOC custody.
In a memorandum dated 3 August 2026, Commissioner Nepomuceno directed all District Commanders of the Enforcement and Security Service (ESS) and Chiefs of the Auction and Cargo Disposal Division (ACDD) to immediately intensify monitoring and security protocols, maintain strict control over storage facilities, regulate and document access to confiscated goods, and promptly report any suspicious activity, attempted breach, loss, or inventory discrepancy to the Office of the Commissioner.
The Commissioner emphasized that no confiscated illicit cigarettes shall be transferred, relocated, or otherwise disposed of without his prior written approval. He likewise reiterated the BOC’s One-Strike Policy under OCOM Memorandum No. 87-2026, warning that any official or employee found to have participated in, facilitated, tolerated, or enabled the theft or unauthorized removal of confiscated cigarettes shall be immediately relieved from service and face appropriate administrative, civil, and criminal proceedings. Command responsibility shall likewise be enforced.
“Ang bawat nakumpiskang iligal na sigarilyo ay bunga ng masusing operasyon ng Bureau of Customs laban sa smuggling at nagsisilbing mahalagang ebidensya ng ating patuloy na kampanya upang maprotektahan ang kita ng pamahalaan at ang publiko. Hindi natin pahihintulutan ang anumang pagtatangka na nakawin, ilihis, o ilagay sa panganib ang mga ito habang nasa kustodiya ng pamahalaan,” Commissioner Nepomuceno said.
The Commissioner further stressed that any attempt to compromise the security and integrity of seized illicit cigarettes will not be tolerated. “Ang anumang pagtatangka na pakialaman, ilihis, o ikompromiso ang mga nakumpiskang iligal na sigarilyo ay hindi natin palalampasin. Sinumang opisyal o kawani na mapatutunayang sangkot o nagpabaya sa kanilang tungkulin ay mananagot sa ilalim ng ating One-Strike Policy at haharap sa kaukulang administratibo, sibil, at kriminal na mga kaso,” he added.
To further strengthen security measures, the Commissioner also directed the Internal Administration Group, in coordination with the Enforcement Group, Assessment and Operations Coordinating Group, and Intelligence Group, to submit within five days recommendations on additional personnel, equipment, facilities, logistics, monitoring systems, and other support necessary to safeguard confiscated illicit cigarettes in all ports.
The BOC reaffirmed its commitment to protecting seized goods under government custody and ensuring that all officials and personnel remain fully accountable in line with its continuing campaign against smuggling, corruption, and all forms of unlawful activity.
