Following President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s call for heightened accountability and stricter enforcement against illicit activities that undermine public trust, the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) provided actionable intelligence that prompted the Bureau of Customs (BOC) to launch a major enforcement operation at the very start of the year, aimed at curbing smuggling and supporting broader government efforts to address anomalies tied to major infrastructure and flood control projects.
The BOC enforced several court-issued search warrants against multiple companies for probable violations of the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act (CMTA).
The operation was conducted pursuant to a mission order and was the result of sustained intelligence buildup and inter-agency coordination.
The search took place at a multi-level parking facility in Taguig City and was carried out by a composite team from the Customs Intelligence and Investigation Service–Manila International Container Port, Enforcement and Security Service, along with the designated customs examiner, with support from the ICI, Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), Land Transportation Office, Philippine National Police, Highway Patrol Group, Taguig City Police, the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group, and barangay officials.
Prior to entry, the search warrant was presented to and received by counsels representing the building, the property management office, and other entities, in the presence of the foregoing government officials.
The implementing team of the BOC was likewise equipped with body-worn cameras and other recording devices to fully document the entire implementation of the search warrants.
As a result of the operation, eight (8) high-value vehicles were found and inventoried out of nine (9) subject units. These luxury vehicles, located across two parking levels, were estimated to be worth approximately ₱143 million.
“This early-year enforcement action demonstrates the Bureau of Customs’ firm dedication to its mandate.”
Commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno emphasized the significance of the operation, “This early-year enforcement action demonstrates the Bureau of Customs’ firm dedication to its mandate and its active role in supporting national efforts to address serious irregularities, including those linked to flood control projects.”
Nepomuceno also recognized the contribution of partner agencies, particularly the ICI.
“We acknowledge the valuable coordination and support provided by the Independent Commission for Infrastructure.”
“We acknowledge the valuable coordination and support provided by the Independent Commission for Infrastructure, which helped ensure the orderly conduct of the operation and the secure handling of the seized vehicles,” he stressed.
“We will continue to pursue coordinated actions against individuals, including those linked to the flood control scandal, to ensure accountability and protect the interests of the Filipino people,” Nepomuceno added.
After completion of the inventory, the vehicles were transferred to the ICI Office in Bonifacio Global City for temporary safekeeping and are continuously secured by PCG personnel, pending further legal proceedings.
