The Bureau of Customs–Ninoy Aquino International Airport (BOC-NAIA) fired a clear warning shot to smugglers and fence-sitters alike as it kicked off its first Customs Industry Consultative and Advisory Council (CICAC) Meeting for 2026—and crowned the Top 20 Importers who played by the rules and delivered for the country.

Held at the NAIA Customs House in Pasay City, the gathering was not your usual talkfest. It was a show of force and direction, anchored on the marching orders of Customs Commissioner Ariel F. Nepomuceno, whose administration has made one thing crystal clear: compliance pays, shortcuts don’t.

Under Nepomuceno’s watch, Customs has drawn a hard line—rewarding legitimate trade, tightening the screws on violators, and pushing reforms that hit where it matters most: revenue, efficiency, and accountability.

At the frontline of this charge is NAIA District Collector Atty. Maria Yasmin “Yas” M. Obillos-Mapa, who made no apologies for demanding discipline and cooperation from industry players. Her message was blunt: Customs targets will not be met by enforcement alone, but by serious stakeholders who choose compliance over connivance.

Mapa stressed that open dialogue is not an excuse for leniency—but a tool to drive faster clearances, cleaner transactions, and higher collections. And the numbers back her up: the recognized importers were cited for their consistent compliance and solid contribution to revenue gains and smoother trade operations in 2025.

This is the Nepomuceno-Mapa brand of Customs leadership—firm, focused, and unforgiving of abuse. Collaboration is welcome, but only for those willing to follow the law.

As 2026 unfolds, the signal from NAIA is loud and unmistakable: Customs is done playing nice with bad actors. Fall in line—or get left behind.

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