Customs Commissioner Ariel F. Nepomuceno is determined to apprehend the masterminds behind smuggling operations as he revisits earlier discussions on strengthening cooperation with the Department of Justice (DOJ) and the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), now under new leadership, to enhance joint investigations and construct robust cases against high-ranking offenders.
Speaking during the May 2026 Collectors’ Conference, Commissioner Nepomuceno said the renewed partnership with the DOJ and NBI centered on building a more strategic approach to investigation and case build-up, with the goal of going beyond routine enforcement and focusing on the individuals and groups behind large-scale illegal activities.
This effort supports President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to intensify the anti-smuggling campaign by ensuring that cases are not only filed but also thoroughly investigated and built up to effectively target and hold accountable the key players involved in these operations.
“Hindi namin kayang gawin ito nang mag-isa. Kailangan magtulungan ang mga ahensya ng gobyerno lalo na sa pag-iimbestiga at pagbuo ng kaso para masigurong napapanagot hindi lang ang maliliit na sangkot kundi pati ang mas malalaking tao at grupo na nasa likod nito,” Commissioner Nepomuceno said.
He added that closer coordination with DOJ and NBI will help strengthen cases and enable faster, more effective action against violators.
This step will ensure that enforcement efforts yield tangible results in protecting government revenue, supporting lawful businesses, and safeguarding the interests of the Filipino people, aligned with the Integrity, Accountability, and Modernization (IAM) Movement.
