SA pinalakas na national border security na inutos ni President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., umabot sa P61.707 bilyong halaga ng smuggled contraband ang nasabat ng Bureau of Customs (BOC) sa kanilang 2025 anti-smuggling campaign.

Ayon kay BOC Commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno, nakapaglunsad ng 1,024 successful enforcement operations, at pagkumpiska sa iba’t ibang kontrabando na umabot sa P61.707 bilyon.

Base sa preliminary data, pinakamalaking halaga ng illicit goods na nasamsam ng BOC nitong nakalipas na 2025, ang P28.47 bilyong halaga ng general commodities, P17.72 bilyong halaga ng counterfeit goods, P5.63 bilyong halaga ng illegal drugs, P4.80 bilyong wildlife and natural resources, at P1.86 bilyong tobacco products.

Bukod dito, nagsagawa rin ng 85 seizure operations ang BOC kaugnay sa mga puslit na agricultural products, na nagresulta sa kompiskasyon ng mahigit P622 milyong halaga ng smuggled agricultural goods.

Pahayag pa ni Comm. Nepomuceno, ang nasabing enforcement actions ay nakatulong na protektahan ang public health, maintain fair market conditions, at pangalagaan ang government revenue.

Sabi pa ni Nepomuceno “Our gains in 2025 demonstrate what decisive leadership and collective accountability can achieve.”

“From dismantling smuggling networks and enforcing strict integrity policies to ensuring the proper disposition of seized goods and strengthening the Fuel Marking Program, the Bureau of Customs remains firmly committed to transparent enforcement that protects government revenue, legitimate trade, and the welfare of the Filipino people,” dagdag pa ng opisyal.

(JESSE RUIZ)