You can run, but you can’t hide from Customs!

In a major blow against agricultural smuggling, the Bureau of Customs (BOC) under Commissioner Ariel F. Nepomuceno and Port of Manila District Collector Alexander E. Alviar busted a ₱13.2-million attempt to sneak in fresh carrots misdeclared as bathroom fixtures, napkins, and storage boxes from China.

Yes — carrots disguised as bathroom fixtures! Only in the Philippines do smugglers get that “creative.” But this time, their little trick met a solid wall — the new Customs leadership that refuses to play blind.

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ALVIAR: A COLLECTOR WHO MEANS BUSINESS

The shipment arrived on October 2, 2025, but the red flags started flying fast. Acting on a derogatory report, Collector Alexander E. Alviar wasted no time — issuing an Alert Order on October 8 and ordering a full-blown physical inspection just days later.

By October 17, Customs examiners cracked open three 40-footer containers and — boom! — over 53,000 kilograms of fresh carrots stared back at them. Estimated market value: ₱13,282,072.77.

That’s not small change. That’s millions in stolen livelihood from our farmers.
And thanks to Alviar’s no-nonsense approach, that money won’t reach the smugglers’ pockets.

This is the kind of Customs official the country needs — alert, decisive, and incorruptible. No drama, no delay — just results.

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NEPOMUCENO’S MARCH AGAINST SMUGGLING

Let’s be clear: this victory didn’t happen by accident. It’s part of Commissioner Ariel F. Nepomuceno’s ongoing crackdown on smuggling — a reform drive that’s shaking up the old, rotten system at Customs.

Since assuming office, Nepomuceno has drawn a hard line against corruption and vowed to protect local industries — especially our struggling Filipino farmers who are often the first victims of agricultural smuggling.

“These illegal shipments directly affect the livelihood of our farmers and the integrity of lawful trade,” the Commissioner stressed. “Under President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive, we are intensifying border protection measures and improving coordination with other agencies to stop these unlawful activities at their source.”

That’s leadership — not lip service. Nepomuceno is proving that Customs can be both tough and transparent.

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ACCOUNTABILITY IS COMING

Assistant Commissioner Vincent Philip Maronilla made it crystal clear: legal action is already underway.

“Misdeclaration is a deliberate act to deceive the government and harm our farmers. The BOC will pursue this case with due process and determination.”

A Warrant of Seizure and Detention (WSD) will soon follow under Sections 117 and 1113 of the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act (CMTA) — the law that empowers the agency to seize and forfeit smuggled goods.

This is how government should work: decisive, lawful, and unafraid.

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REAL CHANGE IS HAPPENING

For years, smugglers treated Customs like a playground. But those days are numbered.
Under Commissioner Nepomuceno’s reform agenda and Collector Alviar’s field precision, the message is loud and clear:

Smuggling is no longer business as usual.

This is a win not just for Customs — but for every Filipino farmer who deserves a fighting chance in their own market.

To Collector Alexander Alviar and Commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno — kudos for showing that integrity and leadership can still prevail inside the Bureau of Customs.

Keep hitting hard, gentlemen. The smugglers are finally shaking.

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