BOC ESS seizes P25.6B in smuggled goods, marks 40% increase

From January to March 2025, the Bureau of Customs' Enforcement and Security Service (ESS) confiscated smuggled goods worth nearly P25.6 billion, marking a 40 percent increase from the same period last year.

This surge in seizures includes over P85 billion worth of contraband for all of 2024, highlighting the BOC's aggressive enforcement campaign and enhanced border security.

The bureau credits these efforts to the Philippines' removal from the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) Grey List, emphasizing its role in combating money laundering and cross-border financial crimes.

In addition to anti-smuggling measures, the ESS seized P131.4 million in undeclared cash and verified nearly 20 billion liters of imported fuel, generating P242.4 billion in duties and taxes.

Customs Commissioner Bienvenido Y. Rubio praised the ESS for its significant contributions to national security, noting the impact of modern equipment procurement and funding improvements.

The BOC's total revenues increased by over 12 percent from February last year, with the agency contributing nearly 31 percent of total tax collections as the country's second-largest tax collection body.