The Bureau of Customs – Ninoy Aquino International Airport (BOC-NAIA) foiled an attempt to smuggle ₱9.3 million worth of agarwood through outbound parcels misdeclared as dried alingatong wood chips at a warehouse in Pasay City on September 10, 2025.

Acting on suspicious X-ray images, Customs examiners subjected the shipments to 100% inspection. They uncovered three parcels containing 3.80 kg, 4.10 kg, and 4.52 kg of agarwood—a regulated and high-value forest product.

The seized items violated several environmental and customs laws, including Republic Act No. 10863 (Customs Modernization and Tariff Act), Republic Act No. 9147 (Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act), and Presidential Decree No. 705 (Revised Forestry Code of the Philippines). The shipments were turned over to BOC-NAIA for proper disposition, in coordination with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).

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Collector Lumontad: “No gateway for environmental crime”

District Collector Alexandra Y. Lumontad underscored the importance of vigilance at ports of entry and exit to combat environmental crime.

“Through strict cargo monitoring and inter-agency collaboration, BOC-NAIA ensures that our international gateways will not be exploited for the trafficking of illegal forest products. Protecting our natural resources is integral to protecting our nation’s future,” she said.

BOC Commissioner Ariel F. Nepomuceno echoed this stance, stressing that the interception is proof of the Bureau’s resolve to safeguard biodiversity and uphold environmental laws in line with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive on border protection.

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This operation highlights Collector Lumontad’s firm leadership and BOC-NAIA’s critical role not only in securing the country’s borders but also in defending the Philippines’ environmental heritage against illegal trade.

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