The Customs Intelligence and Investigation Service-Manila International Container Port (CIIS-MICP) was hailed by the Bureau of Customs as its top-performing department for seizing and apprehending more than P60-billion worth of contraband and anti-social goods in 2024.

During the 38th founding anniversary celebration of the CIIS on Monday, Customs Commissioner Bien Rubio gave CIIS Director Verne Enciso a special commendation for the outstanding contributions and tireless efforts of Intelligence Group (IG) personnel and agents who exemplify the BoC’s core values.

On the other hand, Manila Field Station Chief Alvin Enciso of the CIIS-MICP was also commended by the bureau for ranking as the Overall Best Field Station Office after achieving P61.705 billion worth of seized contraband.

Broken down, the CIIS-MICP seized/apprehended P876 million worth of illegal drugs; counterfeit items (P20.282 billion); vehicles/vessels (P3.280 billion); agricultural products (P938 million); various commodities (P32.058 billion); and cigarettes/tobacco/vapes (P3.729 billion) in 2024.

Reflecting on the achievements of the CIIS department in combating smuggling, the department logged a record-breaking P85.167 billion worth of confiscated goods last year.

P500-M donation

Meanwhile, as the BoC heeded the encouragement of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to forego lavish holiday celebrations last month to aid Filipinos badly hit by calamities, particularly 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 CIIS Director Enciso led the turnover of the cash donation, which will 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,” said Rubio.

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.