CEBU — The Bureau of Customs (BOC) Port of Cebu is stepping up its border-protection drive as District Collector Atty. Zsae Carrie C. De Guzman joined key government agencies in a high-level meeting aimed at tightening the noose on illegal drugs and other prohibited goods entering or moving through the Mactan-Cebu International Airport (MCIA).

De Guzman attended the Mactan-Cebu International Airport Inter-Agency Drug Interdiction Task Group (MCIA-IADITG) Meeting on September 22, 2026, at the MCIAA Corporate Building in Lapu-Lapu City, bringing the Port of Cebu into intensified inter-agency discussions on airport drug interdiction and border security.

The meeting focused on measures designed to strengthen the agencies’ ability to detect and intercept high-risk shipments and prevent illegal drugs from exploiting legitimate airport and courier channels.

Among the major issues discussed were high-risk flight monitoring, operational procedures for domestic and international courier shipments, cargo and parcel movements, and the proposed Memorandum of Agreement with major courier service providers.

The gathering also provided participating agencies with an opportunity to exchange intelligence, report on ongoing initiatives and address operational concerns requiring coordinated action.

DE GUZMAN: STRONGER COORDINATION, STRONGER BORDER

With De Guzman at the helm of the Port of Cebu, the participation underscored the Customs district’s commitment to a united, intelligence-driven and coordinated approach to border protection.

The Port of Cebu’s role is particularly significant in an environment where traffickers may attempt to exploit legitimate cargo, parcel and courier systems to move prohibited goods.

The message from the meeting was clear:

inter-agency coordination must remain relentless.

For De Guzman, stronger coordination among Customs, airport authorities, law-enforcement agencies and other government partners is essential to closing gaps that could be exploited by drug traffickers and other smugglers.

The proposed coordination with major courier companies is also expected to strengthen operational cooperation involving the movement and handling of domestic and international parcels.

NO ROOM FOR COMPLACENCY

The intensified coordination comes as government agencies continue to strengthen their respective mandates in border protection, drug interdiction and the prevention of prohibited goods from entering the country.

Under the leadership of BOC Commissioner Ariel F. Nepomuceno, the Bureau continues to push for stronger enforcement while maintaining the efficient facilitation of legitimate trade and travel.

For the Port of Cebu, the message is unmistakable:

protect the borders, disrupt illegal movements and keep legitimate trade and travel moving.

With Collector De Guzman actively participating in the MCIA-IADITG effort, the Port of Cebu is reinforcing its position as a key player in the government’s continuing campaign to secure the country’s gateways against illegal drugs and other prohibited commodities.

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