THE Bureau of Customs – Ninoy Aquino International Airport (BOC–NAIA) formally turned over forfeited agarwood shipments worth over ₱36 million to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) on January 28, 2026.
In line with the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to strengthen environmental protection and curb the illegal trade of wildlife and forest products, a total of eighteen (18) shipments of forfeited agarwood were turned over to the DENR. The confiscated agarwood had a combined weight of 49.15 kilograms and an estimated value of ₱36,862,500.00.
BOC Commissioner Ariel F. Nepomuceno emphasized the importance of cooperation among government agencies, stating, “The protection of our natural resources requires strong coordination and shared responsibility. This reflects the Bureau’s active role in supporting environmental protection efforts.”
The forfeiture was made pursuant to violations of Republic Act No. 10863 (Customs Modernization and Tariff Act), Presidential Decree No. 705 (Revised Forestry Code of the Philippines), and Republic Act No. 9147 (Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act).
District Collector Atty. Yasmin O. Mapa likewise noted, “BOC-NAIA remains steadfast in enforcing customs laws and working closely with partner agencies to prevent the illegal entry and distribution of prohibited forest products.”
The BOC continues to strengthen border enforcement and inter-agency partnerships in support of the administration’s environmental protection and national conservation initiatives.
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