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Nearly P26 billion was the total value of smuggled goods confiscated by the Bureau of Customs’ (BOC) Enforcement and Security Service (ESS) from January to March this year.
Based on the BOC’s statement released Friday, April 4, the first-quarter collections increased by P8 billion or over 40 percent from the same period last year.
The agency reported that its anti-smuggling efforts resulted in the seizure of over P18 billion worth of goods in the first quarter of 2024.
As per the BOC, the ESS confiscated P85 billion worth of contraband in 2024 alone. This, the BOC said, is “a testament to its [ESS] aggressive enforcement campaign.”
The “stronger border security,” alongside the agency’s “intensified operations also played a key role in the Philippines’ removal from the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) Grey List” or the global money laundering watchlist.
Last year, the ESS seized P131.4 million in undeclared cash as part of its strict efforts to combat money laundering and cross-border financial crimes.
Fuel marking efforts pushed the verification of nearly 20 billion liters of imported fuel, helping generate P242.4 billion in legal duties and taxes.
Meanwhile, the anti-drug campaign resulted in the seizure of over P2 billion worth of illegal drugs and the filing of 164 cases for prosecution.
These operations were led by Customs Commissioner Bienvenido Y. Rubio whose support for the ESS included the “procurement of modern rifles and pistols, chemical analyzers, and funding for the repair and improvement of ESS headquarters.”
Rubio commended the ESS for its contributions in national security, showing support for its personnel and acknowledging their services.
Total revenues in February stood at P251.8 billion, up from P224 billion in the same month last year. This is equivalent to a P27.8-billion, or an over 12-percent increase.
A majority, or over 93 percent, of these total earnings were accounted for by revenues from taxes, at P234.4 billion. It increased by P23.1 billion, or nearly 11 percent, from P211.3 billion in February 2024.
The BOC, the country’s second-largest tax collection agency, contributed nearly 31 percent to total. The agency’s P71.8 billion increased slightly, from last year’s P70.6 billion.
The BOC ESS celebrated its 37th anniversary, stressing its records in border security and anti-smuggling efforts.
