IKOT.PH
The Bureau of Customs (BOC) has confirmed that the six cases recently endorsed to the Department of Finance (DOF) under the Anti‑Agricultural Economic Sabotage Act include Customs employees found to have violated the law, reinforcing the agency’s serious and uncompromising stance against smuggling and internal misconduct under the leadership of Commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno. While the […]
The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) initiated a preliminary investigation to determine whether increased imports of ceramic tiles are causing or threatening to cause serious injury to the domestic industry. The investigation, based on the petition by the Ceramic Manufacturers’ Association, Inc., covers imported ceramic tiles classified under Harmonized System (HS) Codes 2017/2022, subheadings […]
Customs Commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno reported a heightened nationwide anti-smuggling campaign targeting illicit cigarettes and illegal drugs, which has resulted in the seizure of ₱1.8 billion worth of smuggled cigarettes and cigarette manufacturing materials and ₱760 million worth of dangerous drugs as of March 2, 2026. Speaking during the 1st Flag Raising Ceremony for the month […]
The Philippine export sector extended its growth momentum to 13 consecutive months, with total earnings reaching $7.1 billion in January 2026, up from $6.6 billion in the same month last year. The 7.9% year-on-year increase marked the longest expansion in over a year and the highest export level since October 2025. Preliminary data from the […]
The Bureau of Customs – Ninoy Aquino International Airport (BOC–NAIA) successfully arrested a Malaysian national and seized more than ₱112 million worth of illegal drugs at the NAIA Terminal 1. The baggage of the arrested individual was flagged by Customs personnel for inspection, which led to the discovery of the illegal drugs concealed inside his […]
In line with the directives of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to ensure transparency, accountability, and the proper use of government assets, the Bureau of Customs (BOC) successfully raised over ₱102 million through the auction of luxury vehicles linked to the Discaya case, with nine out of the 13 seized cars from the case now sold. […]
Rising international demand for authentic Asian flavors, natural food colorants, and diverse food applications drove the Philippines to generate $3.06 million in ube and ube-based product exports in 2025. This growth highlights the crop’s transition from a local staple to a premium export ingredient in key markets, including the Middle East, the United States, the […]
The Bureau of Customs (BOC) foiled a suspected maritime smuggling attempt in the Celebes Sea, intercepting a vessel carrying approximately 3,000 master cases of illicit cigarettes valued at an estimated ₱180 million. The operation followed timely BOC intelligence regarding suspicious movements of a bulk carrier in the area, reportedly engaged in transferring cargo at sea. […]
The Bureau of Customs (BOC) has formally endorsed six draft criminal complaints against three consignees to the Department of Finance (DOF) for review and approval pursuant to Republic Act No. 12022. The complaints stem from multiple cases involving the unlawful importation of agricultural products, in violation of Section 7 of Republic Act No. 12022, otherwise […]
As part of the government’s continuing efforts under President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to strengthen border security and curb the entry of illegal drugs, the Bureau of Customs – Ninoy Aquino International Airport (BOC-NAIA), in coordination with the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) and the NAIA Inter-Agency Drug Interdiction Task Group (NAIA-IADITG), intercepted two unclaimed and […]