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Customs commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno declared an all-out war against smugglers while implementing a one-strike policy for erring Customs personnel
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As he enters his second year in office, Nepomuceno directed all BOC collection districts to intensify intelligence gathering, risk profiling, and enforcement operations, while strengthening coordination with other law enforcement agencies
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Nepomuceno warned that employees found to be involved in corruption, smuggling activities, or any act that undermines the integrity of the bureau may be immediately relieved or removed from their posts
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He again emphasized BOC’s commitment to modernization
Customs commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno, who marked his first year in office on June 30, has declared an all-out war against smugglers while implementing a one-strike policy for erring Customs personnel, maintaining the fight against illicit trade and internal corruption as among the Bureau of Customs’ (BOC) top priorities.
“Let the recent apprehensions of illicit cigarettes worth billions be a declaration of war against smuggling activities and the strict enforcement of a zero-tolerance policy on our personnel,” Nepomuceno said in a statement, assuring that the bureau will be more aggressive in its anti-smuggling and anti-corruption efforts as he enters his second year in office.
He noted that as BOC continues to strengthen its border protection measures, smuggling syndicates have become increasingly adaptive, resorting to alternative routes and methods to evade customs laws, including the use of private wharves and vessels. He said these evolving tactics require an equally dynamic response from the customs bureau through stronger enforcement, innovation, and enhanced operational capabilities.
Nepomuceno has directed all BOC collection districts to intensify intelligence gathering, risk profiling, and enforcement operations, while strengthening coordination with the Philippine Coast Guard, Philippine Navy, Philippine National Police, National Bureau of Investigation, local government units, and other law enforcement partners.
“There is no place for complacency. As smugglers evolve their methods, Customs must be faster, smarter, and more coordinated,” he said in mixed English and Filipino.
Modernization
The BOC chief likewise re-emphasized the customs bureau’s commitment to modernization, noting that digital transformation, intelligence-driven enforcement, and capacity-building for Customs personnel must move forward together.
“While we continue advancing modernization and digitalization, we will not wait before taking action. We have to level up our operations now and maintain the momentum of our reforms,” he said.
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Nepomuceno also reiterated his one-strike policy for BOC personnel, warning that employees found to be involved in corruption, smuggling activities, or any act that undermines the integrity of the bureau may be immediately relieved or removed from their posts.
He also encouraged the public to support BOC’s anti-smuggling efforts through the Isumbong Kay Commissioner online complaints platform ().
BOC said it remains committed to protecting the country’s borders, facilitating legitimate trade, and ensuring that smugglers and their cohorts are brought to justice.
