Customs seizes P25.6-B smuggled goods in Q1 2025 

The Bureau of Customs (BOC) said on Friday that its Enforcement and Security Service (ESS) seized P25.6 billion worth of smuggled goods in the first quarter of 2025, an almost 40% increase from the same period last year. 

In comparison, the BOC was able to confiscate P85.167 billion worth of contraband for the whole of 2024. 

The bureau also highlighted its anti-money laundering and fuel marking initiatives. 

“The agency’s intensified operations also played a key role in the Philippines’ removal from the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) Grey List. Through its stringent measures against money laundering and cross-border financial crimes, the ESS intercepted P131.4 million in undeclared currency,” the BOC said in a statement. 

“Fuel marking initiatives were also highlighted, with nearly 20 billion liters of imported fuel verified, enabling the collection of P242.4 billion in lawful duties and taxes. Meanwhile, the campaign against illegal drugs led to the seizure of over P2 billion worth of narcotics and the filing of 164 cases for prosecution,” it added. 

BOC-ESS acting director Isabelo Tibayan III thanked Commissioner Bienvenido Rubio for his support such as the procurement of modern rifles and pistols, chemical analyzers, and funding for the repair and improvement of ESS headquarters.—Vince Angelo Ferreras/LDF, GMA Integrated News