BOC chief vows zero tolerance for agri smuggling

MANILA, Philippines — Customs Commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno has assured farmers that the agency will remain relentless in its fight against agricultural smuggling, emphasizing that protecting local producers, securing national borders, and ensuring proper government revenue collection are among the bureau’s top priorities.

Addressing members of the Magsasaka party-list and farmer leaders from Pampanga, Bataan, Aurora, Tarlac, Zambales, and Nueva Ecija, Nepomuceno acknowledged the damaging impact of smuggling on the livelihoods of farmers and fisherfolk across the country.

The Customs chief stressed that while the challenges confronting the agriculture sector extend beyond smuggling, the bureau remains committed to fulfilling its mandate through stronger border protection and stricter enforcement against customs fraud and illicit trade.

Nepomuceno also underscored President Marcos’ directives to strengthen revenue collection, minimize corruption, and modernize the Bureau of Customs.

He noted that the BOC has surpassed its revenue collection target by more than P11 billion, proving that reforms and efficient revenue generation can go hand in hand.

According to the commissioner, every successful effort to stop smuggling not only protects legitimate businesses and local producers but also ensures that government revenues intended for public programs and services are properly collected.

Reforms in the bureau have just started and this will be carried out over the long haul, he said.

He assured farmers of his continued support, saying he is on their side.

The gathering was attended by Magsasaka party-list chairman and former representative Argel Joseph Cabatbat, DIWA party-list chairman and former representative Michael Aglipay, Vice Mayor Allan Policarpio representing Mayor Michael Galang, and various farmer leaders from Central Luzon.

A highlight of the gathering was the approval of a motion conferring upon Nepomuceno the distinction of honorary member of Magsasaka, in recognition of his support for farmers and commitment to combating agricultural smuggling.