The Bureau of Customs (BOC) is strengthening its safeguards over seized, forfeited, and abandoned goods through enhanced monitoring, security, personnel deployment, and inter-agency coordination, following a memorandum signed by BOC Commissioner Ariel F. Nepomuceno directing concerned offices to further strengthen the security and accountability of goods under customs custody.
Pursuant to the Commissioner’s directive, a series of measures are being implemented to enhance the monitoring, protection, and timely disposition of seized, forfeited, and abandoned goods.
Among the measures is the development of a real-time monitoring dashboard to provide centralized visibility over goods under customs custody and to support closer monitoring of their status and movement.
The BOC is likewise strengthening physical security through the installation of additional closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras and the deployment of additional manpower in identified storage and holding areas.
To further strengthen accountability during inspection and handling activities, the BOC is also planning the procurement of body-worn cameras (BWCs) for personnel involved in relevant operations.
The BOC has likewise strengthened its coordination with the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) to reinforce security measures and ensure closer inter-agency cooperation in safeguarding goods under customs custody.
Site visits were also conducted at the Ports of Cebu and Surigao, where one of the largest seizures of illicit cigarettes in BOC history was carried out, to assess the implementation of strengthened security measures.
“Mahalaga na lahat ng seized goods na nasa kustodiya ng BOC ay maayos na nababantayan. Patuloy nating pinapalakas ang ating monitoring, security, at koordinasyon upang matiyak ang maayos at naaayon sa batas na pangangalaga at disposisyon ng mga ito,” said Commissioner Nepomuceno.
At the same time, the BOC is prioritizing the disposal of seized, forfeited, and abandoned goods that have been legally cleared for disposal, in accordance with applicable laws, rules, and regulations. The measure seeks to prevent prolonged storage, optimize available storage facilities, and ensure the timely disposition of goods that have completed the necessary legal processes.
Through the leadership of Commissioner Nepomuceno, the BOC continues to strengthen its systems, security measures, and inter-agency coordination in support of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to strengthen government accountability, protect government resources, and ensure efficient and transparent public service.
