November 1, 2025 | 12:00am
MANILA, Philippines — The Bureau of Customs (BOC) has confiscated P3.8 billion worth of smuggled goods in the second half as part of intensified crackdown on illicit trade and border violations.
In the “First 100 Days Report” of BOC Commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno, the illicit goods were intercepted from July 1 to Oct. 8.
“As the country’s gatekeeper for lawful trade and border protection, the BOC plays a pivotal role in advancing national security,” it said.
Through its mandate to facilitate lawful trade and curb smuggling, the BOC said it upholds national security by ensuring that government protection extends to households and communities across the country.
The BOC said the highest-value seizures so far include P2.17 billion worth of illegal drugs and P1.12 billion in cigarettes and tobacco. It also covers P190 million worth of various agricultural products, reflecting intensified enforcement efforts against smuggling.
“Underscoring its intensified anti-drug drive, the BOC seized 110.24 kilograms of shabu valued at P749.63 million at the Manila International Container Port,” the bureau said.
Illicit cigarettes and tobacco remained among the customs’ key enforcement priorities, as this was highlighted by the P605.29 million seizure of smuggled cigarettes in Bulacan, marking the largest cigarette-related confiscation of the year.
From July to early October, the BOC reported xP263.1 billion in revenue collection, exceeding last year’s P255.9 billion by 2.8 percent.
The agency’s collection from January to September inched up by 1.6 percent to P701.7 billion from last year’s P690.7 billion.
The BOC is mandated to generate a total revenue collection of P958.7 billion for 2025, according to the Cabinet-level Development Budget Coordination Committee.
However, Finance Secretary Ralph Recto earlier said the BOC might fall short of its full-year target.
