The Bureau of Customs reported major gains in border security and anti-smuggling efforts in 2025, citing intensified enforcement following directives from President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr..

Under Commissioner Ariel F. Nepomuceno, the bureau conducted 1,024 enforcement operations, leading to the seizure of P61.707 billion worth of illegal and smuggled goods.

Preliminary data showed the largest seizures involved P28.47 billion in general commodities, P17.72 billion in counterfeit products, P5.63 billion in illegal drugs, P4.80 billion in wildlife and natural resources, and P1.86 billion in tobacco products. Agricultural anti-smuggling operations accounted for 85 seizures valued at more than P622 million.

The BOC said the operations were aimed at protecting public health, ensuring fair market competition, and safeguarding government revenue.

To strengthen trade compliance, the bureau revoked or suspended the accreditation of 40 importers and 12 customs brokers found to have violated customs regulations.

The agency also filed 64 criminal cases with the Department of Justice, including 31 cases related to agricultural smuggling. Of these, 10 involved violations of the Anti-Agricultural Smuggling Act (Republic Act 10845), while 21 were filed for violations of the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act (Republic Act 10863).

The Fuel Marking Program remained a key pillar of the bureau’s anti-smuggling drive, with 21.102 billion liters of fuel marked in 2025. The program generated P247.12 billion in tax revenues and helped promote transparency in fuel distribution and fair competition in the oil industry.

The bureau also recovered 30 vehicles linked to the Discaya family, previously cited in Senate investigations into alleged irregular flood control projects. Thirteen vehicles were found to have violated customs laws and were issued warrants of seizure and detention. Five forfeited vehicles were auctioned, generating P47.762 million that was remitted to the National Treasury. The remaining vehicles are set for auction in accordance with existing rules.

“Our gains in 2025 demonstrate what decisive leadership and collective accountability can achieve,” Nepomuceno said.

“From dismantling smuggling networks and enforcing strict integrity policies to ensuring the proper disposition of seized goods and strengthening the Fuel Marking Program, the Bureau of Customs remains firmly committed to transparent enforcement that protects government revenue, legitimate trade, and the welfare of the Filipino people,” he added.