The Bureau of Customs (BoC) hailed the Customs Intelligence and Investigation Service (CIIS) for seizing a record P85.167 billion worth of smuggled goods in 2024, including P60 billion worth of contraband intercepted at the Manila International Container Port (MICP).

BoC Commissioner Bien Rubio gave CIIS director Verne Enciso a special commendation for the outstanding contributions and tireless efforts of Intelligence Group (IG) personnel and CIIS agents in curbing smuggling during the 38th founding anniversary celebration of the CIIS on Monday.

Rubio also commended Manila Field Station chief Alvin Enciso of the CIIS-MICP for ranking Overall Best Field Station Office after recording P61.705 billion worth of seized contraband.

The contrabands consisted of P876 million worth of illegal drugs; P20.282 billion worth of counterfeit items; P3.280 billion worth of vehicle/vessels; P938 million worth of agricultural products; P32.058 billion worth of various commodities, and cigarette/tobacco/vapes (P3.729 billion).

P500-M donation

Meanwhile, the BoC heeded President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s call to forego lavish holiday celebrations last month and instead donated its savings to Filipinos badly hit by typhoons.

The agency saved a total of P500 million and donated it to the GMA Kapuso Foundation.

The said amount is to be used in rebuilding the homes of those families affected by the recent typhoons coursed through the foundation, which transpired during the same event on 27 January.

Commissioner Rubio, Intelligence Group Deputy Commissioner Juvymax Uy and Enciso led the turnover of the cash donation, which will also be used to build schools and bridges in calamity-stricken areas, especially in Camarines Sur.

“This generous contribution was made even more meaningful by the selfless gesture of IG personnel, who voluntarily pooled a portion of their Christmas bonuses to support the cause,” Rubio said.

The donation was formally received by GMA Kapuso Foundation executive vice president and chief operating officer Rikki Escudero Catibog, who expressed gratitude to the BoC.