Bureau of Customs - Manila International Container Port

NEPOMUCENO, DOJ, NBI JOIN FORCES VS. SMUGGLING BOSSES

Customs Commissioner Ariel F. Nepomuceno is determined to apprehend the masterminds behind smuggling operations as he revisits earlier discussions on strengthening cooperation with the Department of Justice (DOJ) and the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), now under new leadership, to enhance joint investigations and construct robust cases against high-ranking offenders.



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| The Bureau of Customs (BOC) Commissioner Ariel F. Nepomuceno convened a Collectors’ Conference on Tuesday, aimed at bolstering revenue collection and enhancing customs operations.

The conference, organized and hosted by the Port of Aparri under the leadership of District Collector Segundo Sigmunfreud Z. Barte, Jr., brought together port collectors and key BOC officials from across the country.

The event served as a platform to showcase the achievements of various ports and conduct a thorough review of their performance nationwide. Key officials engaged in insightful discussions on operational efficiency, revenue generation, and the implementation of reforms to strengthen customs processes.

Commissioner Nepomuceno emphasized the key priorities for all ports and groups. He urged officials to continuously improve collection performance through data-driven strategies and proactive enforcement. He also stressed the importance of strengthening anti-smuggling efforts by intensifying intelligence coordination and enforcing strict border control measures.

| Check the link below for the complete list of exchange rates for May 30, 2026 to June 05, 2026.

𝑩𝑶𝑪-𝑴𝑰𝑪𝑷, 𝑺𝒕𝒂𝒌𝒆𝒉𝒐𝒍𝒅𝒆𝒓𝒔 𝑹𝒆𝒂𝒇𝒇𝒊𝒓𝒎 𝑷𝒂𝒓𝒕𝒏𝒆𝒓𝒔𝒉𝒊𝒑 𝒂𝒕 𝑭𝒊𝒓𝒔𝒕 𝑳𝒐𝒄𝒂𝒍 𝑪𝑰𝑪𝑨𝑪 𝑴𝒆𝒆𝒕𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔

The Bureau of Customs – Manila International Container Port (BOC-MICP) convened industry stakeholders, partner government agencies, customs brokers, importers, exporters, shipping lines, and logistics service providers for its first local Customs Industry Consultative and Advisory Council (CICAC) Meeting for 2026 on May 29, 2026 at the Dr. Jose P. Rizal Hall, MICP Building.

Beyond a venue for operational updates, the meeting served as an opportunity to strengthen dialogue between Customs and the trade community, reinforcing a shared commitment to efficient, transparent, and responsive service.

In his opening remarks, District Collector Atty. Felipe Geoffrey K. De Vera IV emphasized that meaningful progress in customs administration is achieved through collaboration, noting that government and industry share a common responsibility in keeping trade moving efficiently and competitively.

“Customs and stakeholders are not on opposite sides. We are partners with a shared responsibility. You move businesses. We move processes. And when both sides move together, the entire economy moves forward,” he said.

During the meeting, MICP officials presented updates on key operational matters, including customs clearance processes, the implementation of the three-year exporter accreditation validity, the status of empty containers, and developments on the MICP Updates and Collection Report. Stakeholders likewise took the opportunity to raise concerns, share recommendations, and exchange insights aimed at improving trade facilitation and operational efficiency.

The event was further distinguished by the presence of Ms. Chisa Hasiena C. Mamowalas, Acting Chief of the Valuation and Classification Division, Import Assessment Service (IAS), and Atty. Benito M. Lontok, Chief of the Risk Management Office (RMO), who joined stakeholders and MICP officials in the discussions. Their participation highlighted the importance of continued collaboration and information-sharing in advancing efficient customs operations and trade facilitation initiatives.

The meeting likewise welcomed new members to the MICP-CICAC Council, further broadening stakeholder participation and strengthening industry representation within the consultative body. Joining the Council were representatives from e-Konek Pilipinas Inc., Land Bank of the Philippines–MICP Branch, ADB-UN ITC-ESCAP, the Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA), Hutchison-1 Logistics, Inc., Peter Paul Philippine Corporation, Intercommerce Network Services, Inc., Wilfredo Valdez Customs Brokerage, Nippon Express Philippines Corporation, and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

The addition of these organizations reflects the Council's continuing growth as a platform for collaboration among government agencies, financial institutions, logistics providers, customs brokerage firms, trade organizations, and members of the business community. Their participation brings diverse perspectives that contribute to more informed discussions and responsive solutions for the trading public.

A highlight of the meeting was the signing of the Manifesto of Support, symbolizing the collective commitment of Customs and its stakeholders to continue fostering open communication, constructive engagement, and shared responsibility in advancing trade facilitation initiatives. More than a ceremonial undertaking, the manifesto reaffirmed the Council's shared objective of building a customs environment founded on trust, cooperation, and continuous improvement.

The discussions throughout the meeting reflected a recurring theme: that many operational improvements are achieved not through major policy shifts alone, but through continuous dialogue, mutual understanding, and a willingness to address concerns together. Several stakeholders likewise expressed appreciation for the Port's openness to engagement and its efforts to maintain productive coordination with industry partners.

The CICAC meeting aligns with the Integrity, Accountability, and Modernization (IAM) Program of Customs Commissioner Ariel F. Nepomuceno, which recognizes that meaningful institutional reform is strengthened through transparency, stakeholder engagement, and shared accountability. By providing a platform where concerns can be openly discussed and solutions collaboratively developed, the Manila International Container Port continues to foster stronger partnerships that support both trade facilitation and organizational excellence.

Under the leadership of District Collector Atty. Felipe Geoffrey K. De Vera IV, the Manila International Container Port remains committed to cultivating a culture of collaboration and trust with its stakeholders, recognizing that the most sustainable improvements in customs service are achieved when government and industry work not merely alongside one another, but together toward a common goal.

Makati Express Cargo Inc. is facing complaints filed by the Bureau of Customs (BOC) before the Department of Justice after 36,826 of balikbayan boxes were allegedly left abandoned between 2024 and 2025.

BOC Commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno said balikbayan boxes are more than just packages, describing them as symbols of the sacrifices and enduring love of overseas Filipinos for their families back home. (Photos by Ryan Baldemor/The Philippine STAR)

BOC FILES COMPLAINT VS. CARGO FIRM

The Bureau of Customs (BOC) filed criminal complaints against Makati Express Cargo, Inc. (MECI), together with several of its officers and responsible personnel, in connection with the abandonment of tens of thousands of balikbayan boxes intended for recipients throughout the Philippines.



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₱841-M COUNTERFEIT PERFUMES, LOTIONS SEIZED BY THE BOC

The Bureau of Customs (BOC) seized ₱841 million worth of suspected counterfeit perfumes and lotions in Valenzuela City to prevent the proliferation of illicit products and uphold fair and lawful trade.



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BOC FULLY DISPOSES LAST DISCAYA VEHICLES

The Bureau of Customs successfully concluded the negotiated sale of the last Discaya-related vehicles and other forfeited goods, generating a total revenue of ₱12.346 million.



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