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The Bureau of Customs is intensifying safeguards over seized, forfeited, and abandoned goods through stricter monitoring, reinforced security measures, expanded personnel deployment, and stronger inter-agency coordination
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Customs Commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno has instructed concerned offices to further bolster the protection and accountability of goods under customs custody
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The BOC is preparing to procure body‑worn cameras for personnel engaged in enforcement and operational activities
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Priority is being given to the disposal of seized, forfeited, and abandoned goods that have been legally cleared for release or disposal
The Bureau of Customs (BOC) is strengthening its safeguards over seized, forfeited, and abandoned goods through enhanced monitoring, security, personnel deployment, and inter-agency coordination.
Customs commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno, in Office of the Commissioner (OCOM) Memo No. 93-2026, directed concerned offices to further strengthen the security and accountability of goods under customs custody. Pursuant to the directive, BOC said a series of measures are being implemented to enhance the monitoring, protection, and timely disposition of such goods.
Among these is the development of a real-time monitoring dashboard that will provide centralized visibility over goods under customs custody, supporting closer tracking of their status and movement.
BOC is also strengthening physical security by installing additional closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras and deploying more personnel in identified storage and holding areas. To further reinforce accountability during inspection and handling activities, the agency is planning to procure body-worn cameras for personnel involved in relevant operations.
READ: BOC tightens security over seized illicit cigarettes
In addition, BOC has strengthened coordination with the Philippine Coast Guard to reinforce security measures and ensure closer inter-agency cooperation in safeguarding goods under its custody. Site visits were also conducted at the Ports of Cebu and Surigao — where one of the largest seizures of illicit cigarettes in BOC history took place — to assess the implementation of these strengthened security measures.
“Mahalaga na lahat ng seized goods na nasa kustodiya ng BOC ay maayos na nababantayan. Patuloy nating pinapalakas ang ating monitoring, security, at koordinasyon upang matiyak ang maayos at naaayon sa batas na pangangalaga at disposisyon ng mga ito [It is important that all seized goods in BOC’s custody are properly safeguarded. We continue to strengthen our monitoring, security, and coordination to ensure their proper and lawful custody and disposition],” Nepomuceno said.
At the same time, BOC said it is prioritizing the disposal of seized, forfeited, and abandoned goods that have already been legally cleared for disposal, in accordance with applicable laws, rules, and regulations. The measure seeks to prevent prolonged storage, optimize available storage facilities, and ensure the timely disposition of goods that have completed the necessary legal processes.
READ: BOC chief declares ‘all-out war’ vs smugglers, one-strike policy on erring Customs personnel
