When three unclaimed parcels were flagged at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport last week, what might have looked like ordinary shipments of garments and electronic equipment turned out to be something far more sinister.

Upon closer inspection, the Bureau of Customs–NAIA (BOC-NAIA), working with PDEA and the NAIA Inter-Agency Drug Interdiction Task Group, uncovered nearly ₱8.8 million worth of shabu and kush cleverly concealed within.

This was not a lucky accident. It was the result of vigilance, training, and a system that now places a premium on protecting Filipinos from the scourge of illegal drugs. From x-ray screening to K-9 sweeping and finally to physical inspection, the teamwork was seamless and effective.
While Commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno rightfully underscored the Bureau’s strong stand against drug traffickers, it is equally important to shine the spotlight on the local leadership at NAIA.

District Collector Alexandra Y. Lumontad has consistently proven her mettle in steering her team to embody professionalism and accountability at one of the country’s most vulnerable gateways.

Her statement, “Through strict enforcement and close inter-agency collaboration, BOC-NAIA continues to uphold its role as a frontline defense against smuggling and illicit drug activities,” is not mere rhetoric. It reflects the operational culture she has cultivated—one that values both discipline and unity among personnel.

The seizure of these illegal parcels is more than just another tally in the government’s war on drugs. It is a reminder that the country’s main airport is not just an entry point for travelers and goods, but also a frontline battlefield against criminal syndicates. And at the center of this frontline, leaders like Collector Lumontad are making sure the system does not falter.

The fight against illegal drugs is long and arduous. But every interception such as this one strengthens public confidence that the government can, and will, safeguard its borders. In this battle, vigilance is victory—and at NAIA, vigilance is alive and well.

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