CEBU CITY — The Bureau of Customs (BOC)–Port of Cebu seized undeclared mobile phones valued at nearly ₱1.68 million at the Subport of Mactan, reinforcing Customs’ intensified crackdown on misdeclared shipments under the directive of Commissioner Ariel F. Nepomuceno.

Customs personnel intercepted 12 packages containing 247 units of branded mobile phones originating from China on January 31, 2026. The shipment was declared as personal effects but was flagged for physical examination after questionable X-ray images were detected.

A physical examination conducted by Customs examiners, in coordination with the Customs Intelligence and Investigation Service, Enforcement and Security Service, and the X-ray Inspection Project, revealed commercial quantities of mobile phones that were not declared and were inconsistent with the shipment’s declaration.

District Collector Alexandra Yap-Lumontad immediately issued a Warrant of Seizure and Detention (WSD) against the shipment for violations of the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act (Republic Act No. 10863). She said the enforcement action reflects Commissioner Nepomuceno’s standing order to aggressively curb misdeclaration, misclassification, and undervaluation of imported goods.

Port officials said the seizure was the result of strengthened inspection protocols and close coordination among the operating units of the Port of Cebu.

Support of Mactan Port Collector Gerardo A. Campo noted that the interception underscores the effectiveness of new inspection measures implemented under the guidance of the District Office. He said inconsistencies between shipment declarations and inspection findings are met with swift enforcement action.

Commissioner Nepomuceno commended the Port of Cebu for the successful operation, stressing that vigilant inspections and technology-driven enforcement remain key to strengthening border protection in line with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive.

“Their vigilance and teamwork made this success possible, and it shows what can be achieved when enforcement protocols are strictly applied,” Nepomuceno said.

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