Latest news with #BienvenidoRubio
Filipino Times
27-06-2025
- Filipino Times
Customs intercepts smuggled onions worth P2M hidden in noodle boxes
The Bureau of Customs (BOC), through the Port of Cagayan de Oro, intercepted an estimated 25,500 kilograms of red onions concealed in boxes of egg noodles from China, worth around P2 million. The shipment arrived on May 26 at the Mindanao Container Terminal in Tagoloan, Misamis Oriental. It was declared to contain egg noodles, frozen croissant dough, frozen dough buns, pizza dough, and spring rolls. On June 11, the BOC conducted a spot-check inspection following a tip from the Department of Agriculture – Bureau of Plant Industry regarding suspected misdeclared agricultural products. A Warrant of Seizure and Detention was issued against the smuggled products, per Republic Act No. 10863, or the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act, and other applicable regulations, according to BOC. Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr., who led the inspection of the seized shipment, confirmed that similar containers from the same company were intercepted earlier in Manila. 'There were similar containers from the same company that were intercepted in Manila, so we traced them and alerted all ports to monitor any containers from this company coming from China. Thanks to the BOC, we were able to intercept this shipment. This is a warning to agricultural smugglers, we will not stop going after you. We will file the appropriate cases,' he said. The Department of Agriculture said the seized onions will undergo laboratory testing to determine whether they are safe for donation or require disposal. Legal proceedings will follow as part of the enforcement process. 'We owe it to our farmers, consumers, and the nation to ensure that no smuggled agricultural product makes it to our markets. Our continued partnership with the DA is key to fulfilling this duty,' said BOC Commissioner Bienvenido Rubio.
GMA Network
17-06-2025
- GMA Network
BOC intercepts P34.8M worth of shabu, ecstasy at NAIA, Clark
Authorities confiscated 3,004 ecstasy tablets disguised as dog food from Paris, France at the Port of Clark on June 4, 2025. PHOTO: BOC The Bureau of Customs (BOC) intercepted a total of P34.8 million worth of shabu and ecstasy in back-to-back anti-drug operations at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) and Port of Clark. In a news release, the BOC said its operatives at NAIA confiscated 4,368 grams of methamphetamine hydrochloride, or shabu, from the luggage of a passenger arriving from Malaysia last June 14. The shabu seized was valued at P29.7 million. The illegal drugs were discovered during routine baggage screening using x-ray scanners, K-9 inspection, and a physical search. The suspect was immediately taken into custody, according to the BOC. On June 4, the BOC said its operatives at the Port of Clark also foiled an attempt to smuggle 3,004 ecstasy tablets disguised as 'animal food' from Paris, France. In an attempt to evade x-ray detection, the ecstasy tablets worth P5.1 million were hidden inside pouches concealed in dog food pellets. The Customs said all the confiscated narcotics were turned over to the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) for case build-up. The suspects involved in the drug smuggling attempt are facing charges of violating Republic Act No. 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act and Republic Act No. 10863 or the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act, according to the BOC. 'These interceptions prove the strength of unified law enforcement,' said Customs Commissioner Bienvenido Rubio. 'Every successful seizure at the border is one less threat to our communities. With the President's vision as our guide, we will remain relentless,' said Rubio. The BOC said it continues to scale up anti-smuggling efforts through tighter screening, better intelligence sharing, and rapid inter-agency coordination. —Ted Cordero/RF, GMA Integrated News
GMA Network
16-06-2025
- GMA Network
Almost P8M worth of kush seized in Pasay mail hub — BOC
Authorities intercepted 5.7 kilos of kush with a street value of P7.9 million during a routine inspection at the Central Mail Exchange Center in Pasay City, the Bureau of Customs (BOC) said Monday. BOC said the illegal narcotic, a high-grade variant of marijuana, was found to be concealed within ten parcels, which were flagged for irregularities during x-ray screening and inspected by members of the NAIA Inter-Agency Drug Interdiction Task Group. The kush has been turned over to the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency for further case build up. 'We understand the dangers illegal drugs bring to our families and neighborhoods,' Customs Commissioner Bienvenido Rubio said in a statement. 'That's why we're stepping up inspections, working closely with other agencies, and using every tool we have to stop these substances before they reach our communities,' he added. Authorities are now tracking down the intended recipients. According to Customs, those involved could face charges for violating the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act and the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act. It added the CMEC has long been a key entry point for drug shipments hidden in parcels. 'Our officers remain alert 24/7. This interception is proof of what a united front against smuggling can accomplish,' District Collector Yasmin Mapa said. —Joahna Lei Casilao/RF, GMA Integrated News
GMA Network
08-06-2025
- Automotive
- GMA Network
12 smuggled cars from US intercepted by Customs in Manila port
The Bureau of Customs (BOC) over the weekend said it intercepted two shipments allegedly containing 12 smuggled motor vehicles from the United States that were misdeclared as 'assorted car accessories and supply' in the Port of Manila. According to the BOC, the two shipments contained four 2000 Honda Civic units, three 1998 Honda Civic units, one 1996 Acura Integra, one 1999 Honda Civic, one 2022 Honda S2000, one 2004 Honda S2000, and one 2007 Mini Cooper S. The BOC said the estimated value of the shipment is P10.8 million. The shipments which arrived at the Manila International Container Port (MICP) were consigned to Danesh Consumer Goods Trading from the United States, and were found to have 12 motor vehicles after being subjected to x-ray imaging after the BOC received information that these were misdeclared and undeclared items. 'We had solid information that these shipments may be smuggling motor vehicles into our country under the guise of importing car accessories and parts,' BOC deputy commissioner Juvymax Uy said in a statement. 'The bureau will file the appropriate cases and make sure that these organizations will be held responsible. The BOC is not beating around the bush. We have an all-hands-on-deck approach and we are ready to use all our resources — both technical and technology — to get to the bottom of these smuggling activities,' BOC commissioner Bienvenido Rubio said. The BOC — mandated to supervise and control the clearance of vessels and aircraft engaged in foreign commerce — is tasked to collect nearly P1.06 trillion this year. —Jon Viktor Cabuenas/RF, GMA Integrated News
GMA Network
03-06-2025
- Business
- GMA Network
BOC lauded for making 85% of total fake goods seizures in 2024
The Bureau of Customs (BOC) on Tuesday said it has been cited by the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL) for its efforts in intellectual property rights (IPR) enforcement, accounting for 85% of total seizures of fake goods made in 2024. In a news release, the BOC said it was awarded by the IPOPHL the 'IP Citation for Attaining the Highest Number of Seizures' at the Gawad Yamang Isip Awards 2025. The citation was presented during the 191st National Committee on Intellectual Property Rights (NCIPR) Regular Meeting last May 26, 2025. The NCIPR is an inter-agency body that formulates and implements plans and policies, as well as strengthen the protection and enforcement of intellectual property rights in the country. The NCIPR is composed of 15 members with the Department of Trade and Industry as chairman and the IPOPHL as vice chairman and secretariat 'This award recognizes our firm resolve to crack down on counterfeit goods,' said Customs Commissioner Bienvenido Rubio. 'IPR protection is crucial to building a fair, secure, and investor-friendly trade environment,' said Rubio. In 2024, the BOC said its seizures of fake goods amounted to P34.698 billion out of the total P40.99 billion recorded by NCIPR. One of the agency's biggest hauls came from Binondo, Manila, where more than P11 billion worth of counterfeit luxury goods were seized in a single operation, according to the Customs. As of end-April 2025, the BOC said it has already confiscated P15.8 billion worth of fake goods, conducted in close coordination with global brand representatives and IPR enforcement partners. 'We are not letting up. We will continue to act decisively against counterfeit trade to protect consumers and legitimate businesses," said Rubio. — Ted Cordero/BM, GMA Integrated News
