La Aduana Underground

22/10/2025

*BOC Thwarts P13.2-Million Agricultural Smuggling Attempt at Port of Manila*

The Bureau of Customs (BOC), through the Port of Manila, intercepted three (3) forty-foot containers of misdeclared fresh carrots from China, uncovering over P13.2 million worth of illicit agricultural goods.

The shipment arrived on 2 October 2025, and an Alert Order was issued on 8 October 2025 by District Collector Alexander Gerard E. Alviar after the POM Alert Monitoring Unit received a derogatory report. This prompted a full physical examination conducted on 17 October 2025, during which Customs examiners discovered 53,283.88 kilograms of fresh carrots misdeclared as bathroom fixtures, napkins, and storage boxes. The seized carrots have an estimated fair market value of P13,282,072.77.

Assistant Commissioner Vincent Philip C. Maronilla, together with other key BOC officials, inspected the shipment on 22 October 2025.

“We are already preparing the necessary legal actions against those responsible. Misdeclaration is a deliberate act to deceive the government and harm our farmers. The BOC will pursue this case with due process and determination,” Assistant Commissioner Maronilla said, emphasizing that the BOC will ensure accountability through proper legal channels.

A Warrant of Seizure and Detention (WSD) will be issued against the subject shipment for violation of Section 1400 and 117 (Misdeclaration and Lack of Import Permit), in relation to Section 1113 (Property Subject to Seizure and Forfeiture) of the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act (CMTA).

New BOC Commissioner Ariel F. Nepomuceno reaffirmed the BOC’s commitment to President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to protect local farmers and uphold fair trade.

“These illegal shipments directly affect the livelihood of our farmers and the integrity of lawful trade. Under the President’s directive, we are intensifying our border protection measures and improving coordination with other government agencies to stop these unlawful activities at their source. The BOC remains firm in its duty to ensure that only legitimate goods enter the country, safeguarding not only our economy but also the welfare of every Filipino farmer,” the Customs Commissioner said.

21/10/2025

Her Excellency United States Ambassador to the Philippines MARYKAY L. CARLSON'S Invitation to DR SIEGFRED L. MANAOIS, Philippine Bureau of Customs.

21/10/2025

*BOC, LTO Forge Strategic Partnership to Tighten Controls on Imported Vehicle Registration and Combat Smuggling*

The Bureau of Customs (BOC) and the Land Transportation Office (LTO) ramp up efforts in a strategic partnership to tighten controls on imported vehicle registration through the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) on 21 October 2025.

Commissioner Ariel F. Nepomuceno said the agreement shows a collaborative effort between the BOC and LTO in promoting transparency and coordinated enforcement.

“This mutual cooperation with the LTO reinforces our shared goal of ensuring transparency, efficiency, and strict compliance with customs laws and other government regulations. By working together, we want to make sure that every vehicle import and registration process is handled with the highest standards of integrity,” he added.

This initiative reflects the BOC’s commitment under its new administration to uphold President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive for stronger and more unified action against smuggling in all its forms, ensuring that government revenues are properly collected.

As part of the agreement, the two agencies will improve data sharing for key documents such as Certificates of Payment, Certificates of Registration, and Official Receipts. They will also form a joint task force to lead enforcement operations against unlawfully imported vehicles, including those misclassified or misdeclared, in violation of the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act (CMTA), and other related violations.

The MOA is also designed to safeguard the public by helping deter fraudulent practices, curbing unfair competition, and protecting government revenues vital to national development.

Further solidifying the partnership formed under this agreement, the LTO, led by Assistant Secretary Markus V. Lacanilao, turned over one (1) unit of Lamborghini Urus to the BOC that was recently intercepted by LTO personnel in the Bonifacio Global City area, allowing the BOC to carry out the necessary legal and customs processes.

Within 30 days of signing the MOA, the BOC and LTO will form a Joint Technical Working Group (TWG) tasked with developing and implementing the necessary rules and guidelines for the effective implementation of the agreement.

This initiative highlights the BOC’s commitment under Commissioner Nepomuceno’s leadership to modernize operations, strengthen integrity, and ensure that government services remain accountable, transparent, and responsive to the public’s call for a more credible and reliable governance.

19/10/2025

| Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) Director General Tereso O. Panga recently visited the Cavite Customs Office to strengthen collaboration with the Bureau of Customs-Port of Manila (BOC-POM), aiming to enhance services for economic zone stakeholders.

The visit featured a productive dialogue led by Acting Subport Collector Elvin Maurice R. Mackay, who spearheaded discussions on improving service delivery for locators and investors within the Cavite economic zones.

Under the leadership of District Collector Alexander Gerard E. Alviar and Commissioner Ariel F. Nepomuceno, the Port of Manila emphasizes collaboration with stakeholders to enhance port services and facilitate trade.

Both PEZA and BOC-POM reaffirmed their shared commitment to efficient trade facilitation, enhanced transparency, and strengthened support for the business community.

10/10/2025

10/10/2025

*BOC-NAIA Intercepts ₱109.8 Million Worth of Shabu Concealed in Shipments from Vietnam*

In line with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to intensify border protection and bolster the national government’s anti-drug campaign, the Bureau of Customs – Ninoy Aquino International Airport (BOC-NAIA), in coordination with the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) and the NAIA Inter-Agency Drug Interdiction Task Group (NAIA-IADITG), intercepted shipments containing 16,150 grams of methamphetamine hydrochloride, locally known as shabu, with an estimated standard value of ₱109,820,000.00, at the Paircargo Warehouse, Pasay City, on October 6, 2025.

The shipments, declared as e-commerce consolidated packages, arrived from Hanoi, Vietnam. Following the detection of suspicious images during x-ray screening, a 100 percent physical examination was conducted, which led to the discovery of three (3) styrofoam boxes containing twenty-six (26) packages of white crystalline substances concealed alongside packs of coffee powder. Field testing conducted by CAIDTF and PDEA yielded positive results for methamphetamine hydrochloride.

The seized illegal drugs were turned over to PDEA for proper disposition and further investigation. The two representatives of the consignee logistics company were arrested on-site in violation of Republic Act No. 9165 (Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002). The case also constitutes violations of Republic Act No. 10863 (Customs Modernization and Tariff Act), particularly Section 1400 (Misdeclaration), Section 1401 (Unlawful Importation and Exportation), and Section 117 (Regulated Importation and Exportation).

BOC Commissioner Ariel F. Nepomuceno praised the swift action of the personnel involved, stating, “This interception highlights the Bureau’s vigilance and dedication to preventing drug syndicates from using legitimate trade channels for illicit operations. Our commitment to border protection remains steadfast and uncompromising.”

District Collector Alexandra Y. Lumontad likewise noted, “The success of this operation demonstrates the effectiveness of intelligence-driven profiling and inter-agency coordination. BOC-NAIA will continue to uphold its mandate to ensure that our airports remain secure against any form of smuggling or illegal drug activity.”

This major interdiction reaffirms the BOC’s unwavering commitment to enforce customs and anti-drug laws, protect public safety, and support the national government’s ongoing campaign against the proliferation of illegal drugs.

09/10/2025

09/10/2025

07/10/2025

𝐂𝐄𝐑𝐓𝐈𝐅𝐈𝐂𝐀𝐓𝐄 𝐎𝐅 𝐂𝐎𝐌𝐌𝐄𝐍𝐃𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍 - to the Brave Men and Women of the Paircargo Assessment Composite Division in recognition of their exceptional dedidation and commendable performance which led to the exceeding of their monthy collection target for September 2025 (₱2.171 Billion) and posting a surplus of ₱23.323 Million or 1.07%.

30/09/2025

The Port of Limay has once again exceeded expectations as it successfully surpassed its emerging collection target for the month of September 2025.

As of September 26, 2025, the port has already collected ₱8,660,847,010.75, exceeding its emerging target of ₱8,325,538,490.76. This translates to a positive deviation of ₱335,308,519.99 or 4.03%, with two full working days still left in the month.

This milestone reflects the continued commitment of the Port of Limay in sustaining its revenue performance and contributing significantly to the Bureau’s overall collection efforts.

22/09/2025