The Bureau of Customs–Port of Cebu seized twelve packages containing 247 units of branded mobile phones originating from China on Saturday, 31 January.

The shipment, with an estimated value of P1,679,617, declared as personal effects, was recommended for physical examination after questionable xray images were detected.

The physical examination, conducted in the presence of representatives from the Customs Intelligence and Investigation Service, Enforcement and Security Service, X-ray Inspection Project, revealed undeclared commercial quantities of mobile phones inconsistent with the declaration of the packages.

District Collector Alexandra Yap-Lumontad promptly issued a Warrant of Seizure and Detention against the shipment for violations of the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act or Republic Act 10863.

Yap-Lumontad stressed that the action reflects Commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno’s directive to aggressively curb misdeclaration, misclassification, and undervaluation.

The Subport of Mactan Port Collector Gerardo Campo added that the discovery of the smuggling modus was attributed to the strong coordination among the various offices of the Port under the able guidance and continuous instruction from the District Office.

“This case highlights how the application of new inspection protocols introduced by the district collector has allowed us to detect irregularities at any point in the process. When declarations do not match with the documents presented for inspection, appropriate enforcement action follows,” he said.

Nepomuceno commended the Port of Cebu for uncovering the misdeclared shipment, underscoring that vigilant inspections and technology-driven enforcement are essential to strengthening border protection.

“Their vigilance and teamwork made this success possible, and it’s a reminder of what we can accomplish when we all do our part,” Nepomuceno added.