Latest news with #ArielNepomuceno
GMA Network
12 hours ago
- GMA Network
BOC seizes P40.5-M misdeclared vapes, other goods from China
The Bureau of Customs (BOC) said Thursday its operatives at the Manila International Container Port (MICP) seized misdeclared vape products and other regulated goods valued at P40.5 million. The seized shipments, which were loaded in three containers from China, were falsely declared as kitchenware, according to the BOC. The BOC said a 100% physical examination of the shipments, conducted on July 14, 2025, led to the discovery of 81,000 pieces of assorted vape products, along with sacks of fully refined paraffin wax and other misdeclared items. The shipments were held and subjected to inspection following derogatory information received by the Customs Intelligence and Investigation Service (CIIS)-MICP. According to the Customs Bureau, its Commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno and other key officials also inspected the contraband. Following the discovery of the misdeclared items, the BOC said Warrants of Seizure and Detention were issued on July 23, 2025. The shipments are now under forfeiture proceedings for violations of Sections 117, 1400, 1401, and 1113 of the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act (CMTA), Republic Act 11900 or the Vaporized Nicotine and Non-Nicotine Products Regulation Act, and relevant Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) regulations, according to the Customs. The BOC said it is also undertaking a case build-up to identify and prosecute those responsible, ensuring full accountability under the law. "Our operations are anchored on a whole-of-agency approach that prioritizes intelligence, swift execution, and legal action against those who attempt to evade customs laws," said Nepomuceno. For his part, MICP District Collector Rizalino Jose Torralba said his port district is committed to enforce anti-smuggling efforts. "Smuggling operations involving vape products pose significant health and economic risks. The MICP fully supports Commissioner Ariel in safeguarding our borders and ensuring that only lawful and properly declared goods enter the country," said Torralba. — VDV, GMA Integrated News
GMA Network
17-07-2025
- GMA Network
Customs seizes P749M shabu concealed in balikbayan boxes
Operatives of the Bureau of Customs (BOC) seized a shipment found to contain illegal drugs at the Manila International Container Port (MICP). On Thursday, July 17, Customs Commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno led the inspection of the shipment, which was seized following an inspection which uncovered 110.24 kilograms of methamphetamine hydrochloride or shabu concealed within four boxes, with an estimated value of P749.63 million. Samples from the shipment in question were submitted to the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) for confirmatory testing, which later confirmed that the recovered substances were indeed methamphetamine hydrochloride. The BOC said the seized shipment will be turned over to the PDEA for further investigation in relation to violations of Republic Act (RA) No. 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, and R.A. No. 10863, or the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act. For his part, MICP District Collector Rizalino Jose Torralba cited cooperation among the agency's enforcement units, noting that the operation reflected the effectiveness of strengthened profiling measures and inter-agency coordination. Nepomuceno, likewise, said the Customs will remain unyielding in its campaign against drug smuggling. 'We will not allow criminal elements to exploit balikbayan privileges and tarnish the trust of our overseas Filipinos. This seizure underscores our commitment to protecting the country and its people,' said Nepomuceno. —VAL, GMA Integrated News
GMA Network
05-07-2025
- Business
- GMA Network
New Customs chief Nepomuceno suspends unserved LOAs, MOs
Newly appointed Bureau of Customs (BOC) Commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno issued his very first policy directive, suspending the implementation of all previously approved but unserved Letters of Authority (LOAs) and Mission Orders (MOs). In his memorandum, issued on Wednesday, Nepomuceno said the directive applies to all LOAs and MOs issued prior to July 2, 2025, 'that have yet to be served and covers all units under the Intelligence and Enforcement Groups.' The latest BOC memorandum also instructs concerned Deputy Commissioners to submit a comprehensive status report on all LOAs and MOs issued from January 1 to June 30, 2025, 'within 24 hours of receipt.' The Customs chief said the directive is part of his intent to review all pending enforcement actions and ensure that operations are properly tracked and aligned with current priorities. 'We are implementing this step to clearly determine what actions are still pending and to ensure that all enforcement efforts are legally sound, properly documented, and aligned with the Bureau's direction moving forward,' said Nepomuceno. The BOC chief said suspending all unserved LOAs and MOs before he assumed office was 'part of a broader effort to restore discipline in field operations, prevent unauthorized or outdated enforcement activities, and reinforce the agency's commitment to lawful and transparent practices.' The Bureau of Customs remains aligned with the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to professionalize government operations and intensify efforts against smuggling and revenue leakage, according to the BOC chief. —VAL, GMA Integrated News
GMA Network
18-05-2025
- Automotive
- GMA Network
OCD: San Juanico Bridge emergency repair could reach P500M
The Office of Civil Defense (OCD) on Sunday said the cost of the emergency repair of the San Juanico Bridge in Eastern Visayas could reach P500 million. 'Very rough estimate po ito, wala pang masyadong detalye. Between ?300 to ?500 million kung kinakailangan pang repair (this is a rough estimate and there are no details yet. The repair would need between P300 million to P500 million),' OCD administrator Undersecretary Ariel Nepomuceno told Super Radyo dzBB. He added the government is studying whether the funds could be acquired from the Disaster Risk Reduction and Management fund since the Department of Public Works and Highways has yet to allocate funds for the planned repair. According to DPWH, the recent assessment raised concerns about San Juanico Bridge's structural integrity. As part of precautions, DPWH temporarily prohibits vehicles weighing more than three tons from crossing the 2.16-kilometer bridge. 'Those traversing the bridge must use the centerline, proceeding ONE AT A TIME, and should follow all on-site traffic directions,' the department said in a social media post. 'This measure is strictly enforced to ensure motorist safety, mitigate risks associated with identified damage, and facilitate essential repair and maintenance work,' it added. Vehicles exceeding the weight limit may use the roll-on/roll-off (RORO) vessels in the following ports: Tacloban Port Calbayog Port Catbalogan Port Biliran Port Ormoc Port Manguinoo Port, Calbayog Samar Hilongos Port Maasin Port Naval Port Palompon Port Calubian Port Villaba Port Blue Alert The Office of Civil Defense - Eastern Visayas and the Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council are on blue alert following the enforcement of the vehicle weight limit. A blue alert status means both agencies are at a heightened preparedness and alertness. 'This alert is issued in anticipation of slow-onset disasters or potential escalation of the situation. It underscores the need for heightened readiness, proactive measures, and strengthened inter-agency coordination to ensure the smooth flow of essential goods and services while mitigating emerging risks and disruptions,' the OCD said in a statement. A San Juanico Task Group has been formed to oversee security, safety, and operational coordination in the area. Meanwhile, the Samar Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council on Saturday recommended the declaration of a State of Emergency in Samar to the Sangguniang Panlalawigan. Starting Sunday, May 18, pedestrians are prohibited from crossing the bridge on foot. Instead, they will be using coasters and light vehicles as a safety measure. Built in 1969 and completed in 1973, San Juanico Bridge is the the third longest bridge spanning a body of seawater in the Philippines, connecting the islands of Samar and Leyte. —Mariel Celine Serquiña/RF, GMA Integrated News
