Bureau of Customs (BOC) Commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno was recognized as one of the distinguished awardees during the Third International Tobacco Summit, held in Pasig City.
The recognition was conferred by the National Tobacco Administration (NTA) in acknowledgment of the BOC’s sustained efforts in combating illicit tobacco trade and strengthening border protection.
Nepomuceno was honored for the agency’s critical role in sustaining enforcement operations and intensifying crackdowns against illicit tobacco products, contributing significantly to the protection of national revenues, enhancement of border security, and promotion of fair trade.
The recognition is a testament to the BOC’s commitment to safeguarding the country against smuggling and other forms of customs fraud, in line with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directive to strengthen border protection and combat illicit trade.
“This recognition inspires us to continue redefining Customs as a modern, credible, and responsive institution that protects our borders, supports legitimate businesses, and delivers meaningful service to the Filipino people.”
“Malaking karangalan para sa Bureau of Customs na matanggap ang pagkilalang ito, na nagpapatibay sa aming patuloy na paglaban sa illicit tobacco trade at iba pang uri ng smuggling. This recognition inspires us to continue redefining Customs as a modern, credible, and responsive institution that protects our borders, supports legitimate businesses, and delivers meaningful service to the Filipino people,” the BOC chief said.
Representing the BOC at the summit, Deputy Commissioner PMGen Emmanuel Luis Licup (Ret.) of the Intelligence Group discussed the agency’s enforcement initiatives, including measures to ensure that confiscated illicit tobacco products are securely handled, properly destroyed, and permanently removed from circulation.
The event brought together key government officials, law enforcement agencies, industry leaders, and international partners to discuss collaborative strategies aimed at addressing illicit tobacco trade and protecting government revenues.
Under the leadership of Nepomuceno, and guided by the principles of the Integrity, Accountability, and Modernization (IAM) Movement, the BOC has strengthened its campaign against illicit trade through intelligence-driven operations and enhanced interagency collaboration.
In the past five months, the agency conducted 187 enforcement operations that led to the seizure of smuggled cigarettes and tobacco products valued at approximately ₱13.5 billion.
In the past five months, the agency conducted 187 enforcement operations that led to the seizure of smuggled cigarettes and tobacco products valued at approximately ₱13.5 billion.
These accomplishments only show the Bureau of Customs’ relentless pursuit of securing the nation’s borders, protecting legitimate commerce, preserving government revenues, and upholding customs laws.
