BOC steps up digital drive vs smuggling, goes all-out in real-time monitoring of cargos
The Bureau of Customs (BOC) has intensified the implementation of its digital cargo monitoring system as part of its preventive measures against smuggling.
BOC Commissioner Yogi Filemon Ruiz said the Electronic Tracking of Containerized Cargo System (E-TRACC) enables the agency to conduct real-time monitoring of containerized cargoes which include the movement and location of all containers.

"We obtain real-time alarms through the system 24/7 using GPS-enabled tracking locks, to prevent smuggling by diversion of cargoes," said Ruiz.
Ruiz disclosed that in 2022 for instance, the system documented 5a total of 17,992 trips, of which 3.50 percent, or 18,099 visits were alarmed due to irregular movements.
In deploying the Quick Reaction Team (QRT) and other concerned offices, the Commissioner issues Mission Orders to verify the status of containers through immediate investigations and other appropriate enforcement actions.
"The minimal number of alarms manifests the high compliance rate of consignees due to the BOC's strict monitoring of cargo movements to suppress illegal activities, including route deviations, unauthorized start and end trips, and tampering with alarms," said Ruiz.