The Bureau of Customs (BOC) posted a historic record, apprehending P85.17 billion worth of smuggled goods last year.
In a statement released on Jan. 29, the BOC said the 2024 figure marks “another record-breaking and unprecedented anti-smuggling accomplishment in the history of the Bureau of Customs.”
Data from the BOC revealed that revenue from confiscated goods surged by P41.87 billion, or nearly double (96.71 percent), in 2024. This represents a jump to P85.17 billion from P43.30 billion in 2023.
Under its intelligence group, the CIIS-Manila International Container Port (CIIS-MICP) emerged as the top-performing office, collecting P60.5 billion — three-fourths (71 percent) of the total — worth of seized contraband and illicit goods last year. This office was led by Manila Field Station chief Alvin Enciso.
“For nearly four decades, the Customs Intelligence and Investigation Service (CIIS) has been on the front lines, serving as the intelligence and investigation arm of the Bureau of Customs,” said CIIS Director Verne Enciso during the ceremonial donation to the GMA Kapuso Foundation (GMAKF) on January 27.
Despite the agency’s achievement, BOC Commissioner Bienvenido Y. Rubio stressed the “need for continued vigilance in light of the emerging practices utilized by criminal organizations.”
Rubio anticipates “the same or even better performance from our CIIS in this year and the years to come. Recognizing that the challenges we face are evolving, we must reinforce our anti-smuggling drive, bearing in mind that safeguarding our society is paramount.”
The cash donation to GMAKF was part of the BOC-CIIS’s celebration of its 38th founding anniversary. According to the BOC, the donation will be used “to build schools and bridges in calamity-stricken areas, especially in Camarines Sur.”
“This generous contribution was made even more meaningful by the selfless gesture of CIIS personnel, who voluntarily pooled a portion of their Christmas bonuses to support the cause,” Rubio said.
“This is a testament not only to the success of the CIIS in supporting national security efforts, economic integrity, and border protection, but also to their commitment to their fellow Filipinos as many communities and areas face unimaginable challenges in light of the natural disasters that struck us last year,” he added.