The Bureau of Customs (BOC) and the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) have reaffirmed their joint commitment to intensifying border protection through enhanced information-sharing, system integration, and operational coordination to combat the smuggling of dangerous drugs and controlled chemicals.
This echoes President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directive to strengthen enforcement through digitalized processes, closer inter-agency collaboration, and enhanced scanning technology to safeguard the country’s borders.
In a high-level meeting led by BOC Commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno along with Deputy Commissioner for Enforcement Group Nolasco Bathan and Customs Intelligence and Investigation Service Director Thomas Narcise, and PDEA officials, both agencies discussed concrete measures to ensure the authenticity of import permits, streamline enforcement procedures, and address operational challenges in real time.
PDEA outlined its monitoring systems and offered to share a read-only database of approved permits and licenses with the BOC for quicker verification of import documents.
During the discussion, PDEA outlined its monitoring systems and offered to share a read-only database of approved permits and licenses with the BOC for quicker verification of import documents.
Both agencies also addressed operational priorities, including timely turnover of seized substances, improved inter-agency verification, and updating their Memorandum of Agreement to incorporate new protocols and close gaps that could be exploited by illegal importers.
“The planned system upgrades, expanded pre-shipment inspection, and modernization of our scanning facilities will complement our strengthened inter-agency cooperation, making the country’s border protection capabilities more resilient and foolproof,” Commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno emphasized.
This partnership means a stronger shield against the entry of illicit drugs and dangerous substances, safeguarding public health, protecting communities, and preserving the integrity of trade.
For the nation and its citizens, this partnership means a stronger shield against the entry of illicit drugs and dangerous substances, safeguarding public health, protecting communities, and preserving the integrity of trade.
The initiative also boosts the BOC’s efficiency, reduces clearance delays, and promotes stakeholder confidence in the country’s enforcement and regulatory systems.
Both agencies agreed to institutionalize their cooperation through regular coordination meetings, dedicated focal teams, and integrated digital platforms.
By uniting enforcement resources and expertise, the BOC and PDEA aim to close operational gaps, deter smuggling attempts, and ensure that Philippine ports remain secure gateways for legitimate trade and national economic growth.
