FROM ZAMBOANGA TO THE NATIONAL FRONTLINES! MANNY ZURBITO TAKES COMMAND OF BOC ENFORCEMENT AND SECURITY SERVICE — A NEW SHERIFF IS IN TOWN!

A TOUGHER, BOLDER AND MORE AGGRESSIVE CUSTOMS ENFORCEMENT ERA BEGINS!-From the challenging ports of Zamboanga to the national frontlines of customs enforcement, Atty. Manuel “Manny” O. Zurbito Jr. is taking on a bigger battlefield!

His appointment as Director of the Bureau of Customs’ Enforcement and Security Service (ESS) under the Customs Enforcement Group is more than just another leadership designation. It is a major vote of confidence in a customs official whose leadership has been tested in the field, whose accomplishments have been measured in actual results, and whose commitment to border protection has left a significant mark on the Port of Zamboanga.

THIS IS NO ORDINARY PROMOTION. THIS IS A CALL TO LEAD FROM THE FRONT!

During his stint as District Collector of the Port of Zamboanga, Zurbito demonstrated that effective customs leadership requires more than office directives and impressive speeches. It demands decisive action, operational discipline, strong coordination and an uncompromising commitment to protecting the country’s borders.

The numbers speak loudly! 

Under his watch, the Port of Zamboanga recorded consecutive monthly revenue collection surpluses throughout the Third Quarter of 2026, generating more than ₱2.88 BILLION IN TOTAL COLLECTIONS!

That is no small achievement!

But Zurbito’s leadership was not confined to revenue generation. He also pushed for intensified anti-smuggling operations, expanded joint maritime surveillance with law enforcement partners, and strengthened international cooperation with INTERPOL.

In a region where border security presents serious challenges, these initiatives underscored the importance of vigilance, intelligence-sharing and coordinated enforcement.

Now, the challenge gets even bigger!

As the new ESS Director, Zurbito assumes a critical national responsibility in strengthening enforcement operations, protecting the country’s borders and supporting the government’s campaign against smuggling and other customs-related violations.

The ESS is a frontline component of the Bureau’s enforcement machinery. Its mission demands courage, professionalism, operational readiness and integrity. It is a job where leadership must translate into results, not merely promises.

And this is where Zurbito’s experience in the field becomes a valuable asset.

His leadership philosophy, anchored on employee welfare, open governance and strict adherence to Customs Commissioner Atty. Ariel F. Nepomuceno’s IAM BOC Movement — Integrity, Accountability and Modernization, provides a strong foundation for the challenges ahead.

But the public expects more than a change of office.

The real test is whether enforcement operations will become stronger, intelligence-driven and more relentless against those who undermine the country’s customs laws and national security.

Smugglers beware! The country’s borders need leaders who are prepared to confront the challenges head-on, strengthen institutional discipline and ensure that no individual or group is above the law.

ZURBITO’S NEW ASSIGNMENT IS A TEST OF LEADERSHIP — AND AN OPPORTUNITY TO MAKE A NATIONAL IMPACT!

To the men and women of the Port of Zamboanga, his departure marks the end of a chapter defined by revenue accomplishments, intensified enforcement and institutional cooperation.

To the Bureau of Customs, his appointment opens another chapter — one that places a seasoned field leader in a strategic national enforcement position.

The message is clear: from Zamboanga to the national command, Atty. Manuel “Manny” Zurbito Jr. is moving to a bigger battlefield.

And in the continuing war against smuggling, the country needs enforcement leaders who know the terrain, understand the mission and have the courage to act.

MABUHAY, DIRECTOR MANNY ZURBITO!

THE BATTLE FOR CLEANER PORTS, STRONGER BORDERS AND A MORE DISCIPLINED BUREAU OF CUSTOMS CONTINUES!