Comm. Nepomuceno reiterates warning versus Subic-based smugglers, cohorts

On Oct 4, 2026

PORT OF Subic District Collector Atty. Geniefelle P. Lagmay (left) examining the seized chicken meat valued at more than ₱6.7 million declared as frozen fried tofu to mislead the agency (photo: BOC-PIAD).

BUREAU Of Customs Commissioner Ariel F. Nepomuceno reiterated his warning to smugglers and remnants of corrupt Customs personnel at the Port of Subic after another shipment of smuggled chicken parts worth ₱6.7 million was seized at the port recently.

“Let this seizure serve as a warning to smugglers and those who enable or protect them, whether inside or outside government: the Bureau will relentlessly pursue violators and ensure that they are held accountable under the law,” the Customs Chief said.

Port workers removing boxes of frozen chicken breast from the container during the physical inspection (photo: BOC-PIAD).

Port of Subic District Collector Atty. Geniefelle P. Lagmay said the shipment of frozen chicken meat from Hongkong misdeclared as ‘cooked tofu’ on board a 40-footer van, was flagged for inspection following intelligence information indicating that it might contain frozen or processed food products and agricultural commodities.

Lagmay said 100 percent examination of the shipment revealed it contained 1,380 cartons of frozen chicken breast mixed with 174 cartons of frozen fried fish tofu to mislead the agency.

As usual however, the BOC again declined to identify the erring consignee and customs broker in the report.

“Despite the recent personnel movements and internal cleansing efforts at the Port of Subic, I expect our personnel to remain focused on protecting our borders and faithfully carrying out their responsibilities as public servants.

“Our commitment to preventing smuggling and safeguarding legitimate trade must remain steadfast,” Commissioner Nepomuceno added.

It can be recalled that in an effort to remove the image of the Port of Subic as a “haven” for smuggling, Commissioner Nepomuceno has ordered a massive reshuffle of its personnel that include the replacement of the entire police and intelligence forces as well as the deputy collector for operations and the head of the auction and cargo disposal unit (Pinoy Exposé, September 30, 2026).