PASAY CITY — The Bureau of Customs–Ninoy Aquino International Airport (BOC-NAIA) opened 2026 with a strong show of authority and reform as it convened its first Customs Industry Consultative and Advisory Council (CICAC) Meeting, underscoring an uncompromising stance against smuggling while recognizing the Top 20 Importers whose compliance helped drive revenue growth and operational efficiency in 2025.

Held at the NAIA Customs House, the meeting sent a clear signal that under the leadership of Customs Commissioner Ariel F. Nepomuceno, the Bureau is doubling down on enforcement, discipline, and results—rewarding legitimate trade while tightening controls against abuse and violations.

Nepomuceno has repeatedly emphasized that Customs reforms will succeed only if compliance becomes non-negotiable. His administration has pushed aggressive measures to strengthen border protection, streamline procedures, and ensure that revenue targets are met without compromising accountability.

At the operational forefront, NAIA District Collector Atty. Maria Yasmin M. Obillos-Mapa reinforced the Commissioner’s directive, stressing that Customs will work closely with industry—but only with stakeholders committed to transparency and lawful trade.

“Open dialogue does not mean weak enforcement,” Mapa said, noting that cooperation with compliant importers is a critical tool in accelerating cargo clearance, improving service delivery, and boosting collections. She added that Customs targets can only be achieved through shared responsibility between the Bureau and the private sector.

The importers recognized during the event were cited for their consistent compliance with customs regulations and their measurable contribution to improved revenue collection and smoother trade operations at NAIA in 2025.

Officials said the CICAC meeting reflects the Nepomuceno administration’s broader reform agenda: firm enforcement backed by strategic engagement, with no tolerance for smuggling, misdeclaration, or revenue leakage.

As the year begins, BOC-NAIA made it clear that the message from Customs leadership is unequivocal—those who follow the law will be supported, while violators will face intensified scrutiny and decisive action.

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