THE Bureau of Customs (BOC) and the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) renewed their commitment in the fight against illegal drugs thru a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) they signed last February 26.
The agreement builds on the inter-agency coordination framework both sides initially established in 2023. The new MOA now incorporates key policy directives and operational inputs from PDEA following their joint meeting held in August 2025.
Signatories to the MOA are Commissioner Ariel F. Nepomuceno and PDEA Director General Undersecretary Isagani Nerez.
Under the MOA, the BOC and PDEA will enhance digital and operational collaboration through integrated databases, real-time information-sharing mechanisms, and reinforced scanning and inspection technologies at ports of entry.
Regular coordination meetings and special operational briefings will now be institutionalized to ensure the swift interdiction of illegal drugs while streamlining enforcement procedures and eliminating operational gaps.
A central component of the agreement is the creation of the Drug Interdiction Task Group, which will serve as the primary coordinating body for joint port operations and intelligence-driven enforcement actions.
Since assuming office in July 25, Commissioner Nepomuceno has spearheaded intensified anti-drug operations together with the PDEA and other law enforcement agencies that resulted in the seizure of approximately ₱2.295 billion worth of dangerous drugs by the end of 2025.
From January 1 to February 20, 2026, the BOC has already confiscated an additional ₱689 million worth of illegal drugs.
Accompanying Nepomuceno during the ceremony were his two Chiefs of Staff, Assistant Secretary Carlos Bathan and Assistant Secretary Atty. Jek Casipit; Customs Deputy Commissioner for Enforcement (DCE) PBGen Nolasco Bathan (Ret.); Deputy Commissioner for Revenue Collection (RCMG) Atty. Arnel Alambra; and, Deputy Commissioner for Intelligence (DCI) Romeo Allan Rosales.