BOC SETS RECORD SEIZURE FOR 2024 AT OVER P81 BILLION

On Dec 31, 2024

The man behind the success. From being chief spook of the Philippine Army as head of the elite Intelligence Service Group (ISG), retired 2-star general Juvymax Uy is now recognized as the country's 'Anti-Smuggling Czar' as head of the Intelligence Group (IG) of the Bureau of Customs. Under his leadership, the BOC has seized more than P81 billion worth of smuggled goods and contrabands for this year, the highest thus far under any Philippine administration in any single year (photo credit: BOC-PIAD).

THE Bureau of Customs (BOC) seized nearly four times more goods and contrabands in 2024, the highest in terms of value under any administration in any single year.

This was the undeniable truth that came out during the yearend assessment of performance and command conference last December 11, by the Intelligence Group (IG) presided by Deputy Commissioner for Intelligence (DCI) Juvymax Uy.

Director Verne Y. Enciso of the Customs Intelligence and Investigation Service (CIIS) officially commenced the program by reflecting on the significant progress of the BOC in intelligence initiatives from 2022, the start of the Marcos administration, to the present year.

Enciso attributed much of this success to the “exceptional leadership” of Commissioner Bienvenido Y. Rubio and DCI Uy.

Rubio was also formerly a customs intelligence officer who rose from the ranks to become head of the agency. Uy, on the other hand, is a bemedalled former Philippine Army general who also once headed the Army’s elite Intelligence Service Group (ISG).

“Two years later, here we are, with results that speak for themselves. Under the visionary leadership of Commissioner Rubio and Deputy Commissioner Uy, the Intelligence Group has made remarkable strides in performance,” Director Enciso noted.

The ‘Intelligence Group Family’ in a group photo after the conclusion of their end-year assessment and command conference, December 11, 2024. At the center of the photo is DCI Juvymax Uy and CIIS director Verne Enciso (photo credit: BOC-PIAD).

“From 729 seizures worth P24 billion in 2022, we have now, in 2024, achieved an astounding 1,537 seizures with a total value of PhP81 billion—and counting.”

The command conference was also attended by the heads of all IG Field Offices nationwide and include an in-depth presentation that detailed the Intelligence Group’s significant cases and achievements for the year.

Division chiefs also gave updates on ongoing operations and activities of their respective offices: the Intelligence Division, Investigation Division, Internal and Inquiry Division, X-ray Inspection Project (XIP), Risk Management Office (RMO), and Accounts Management Office (AMO).

In a statement sent to the gathering, Rubio called on the IG to sustain its momentum in delivering greater achievements for the bureau, further noting:

“Good governance and effective measures against illicit trade have strengthened the organization’s collaborative efforts, enhanced border security, and facilitated smoother trade processes.

“With this in mind, I encourage you to build upon your progress and conclude the year with renewed dedication as we gear up for more years of excellence.”

DCI Uy concluded the meeting by commending the IG officers and personnel for their “invaluable contributions” to achieving the BOC’s mission to secure the nation’s frontiers from illicit trade and contrabands and the role of intelligence operations in safeguarding the country’s aspirations for a safe and progressive trade landscape.