The Bureau of Customs (BOC) has seized P30.86 billion worth of smuggled goods so far this year, surpassing the value of smuggled products captured in 2022.
Customs Commissioner Bienvenido Rubio said the recorded seizures for 2023 cover only January 1 to August 4, but already exceed the aggregate value of goods seized in 2022 by P6 billion, the BOC said.
The BOC said Rubio commended the agency’s Intelligence Group, Customs Intelligence and Investigation Service and the X-ray Inspection Project for their efforts contributing to the success of anti-smuggling operations in the country.
“Their performances have led to a significant breakthrough in our fight against smuggling. The strengthened anti-smuggling operations spearheaded by these teams have yielded outstanding results,” he said during the flag-raising ceremony last Monday.
Rubio said the Intelligence Group’s commitment in protecting the country’s borders recorded the highest total value of seized goods in the past five years.
In a separate statement, the BOC said the country has reaffirmed its commitment to digital and sustainable trade facilitation by attaining the second spot among Southeast Asian nations in the 2023 United Nations (UN) Global Survey.
Climbing up from the third spot in the previous 2021 survey, this achievement underscores the country’s continuous progress in modernizing trade processes and achieving world-class customs administration.
The survey, jointly conducted by various UN bodies, provides an in-depth analysis of trade facilitation progress in the country and highlights its achievements in fostering efficiency and promoting international collaboration.
The 2023 UN Global Survey highlighted the Philippines’ dedication in implementing the WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement through the Philippine Trade Facilitation Committee.
The country, through the BOC, has been proactive in adopting emerging regional and global measures that promote paperless trade or e-trade.
