BOC ANSWERS PBBM CALL TO HELP MINDANAO

As part of a broader government effort to aid quake victims

On Jun 22, 2026

HAPPY TO HELP. Bureau of Customs personnel. with the beneficiaries, pose for posterity at the end of a relief distribution initiative of the agency (photo: BOC-PIAD).

BUREAU of Customs (BOC) Commissioner Ariel F. Nepomuceno mobilized the entire agency in aiding the victims of the powerful earthquake that struck Sarangani Province and other areas of Mindanao last June 8.

As of June 20, the BOC said it has inventoried 12 containers of forfeited goods for distribution, focusing on both urgent needs of the victims and the early recovery of the affected areas.

The items include medical equipment to support hospitals and frontline health workers; wood for the construction of temporary shelters for displaced families; construction materials to help repair damaged evacuation centers and schools; machinery equipment that can assist in clearing debris and supporting rehabilitation work; and household goods to help families restore basic living conditions.

The release of these items is being expedited under the Commissioner’s instructions, as part of a broader government effort to respond quickly and ease the situation of affected communities as directed by President Marcos Jr.

Customs personnel are seen directly distributing their assistance to the quake victims (photo: BOC-PIAD).

“Instead of letting these forfeited goods sit in our warehouses, we want to make sure they go directly to the families and communities in need of our assistance,” Commissioner Nepomuceno said.

Commissioner Nepomuceno is well-positioned to identify the needs and requirements of the victims and affected communities, having been the administrator of the Office of the Civil Defense (OCD) prior to his appointment to the BOC last year.

At the local level, Commissioner Nepomuceno also expressed satisfaction at the positive response demonstrated by the concerned ports.

“Nagpapasalamat ako sa ating mga opisyal at kawani ng BOC for their quick response.

“Coming from the Office of Civil Defense, natural po sa amin na tingnan kung paano natin magagamit kaagad ang available resources para makatulong.

“We also recognize the donation drives of our ports.

“Nakakatuwang makita na marami sa ating mga personnel ang nagkusang magbigay at personal na bumili ng relief goods para sa ating mga kababayan na nasalanta ng lindol.

“Isa itong patunay ng malasakit at bayanihan na buhay na buhay sa ating hanay,” the Commissioner added.

The Port of Davao, under District Collector Maita S. Acevedo, led the distribution of relief goods to earthquake-affected communities in Jose Abad Santos, Davao Occidental, reaching a total of 1,000 families in three barangays, namely Brgy. Malalan (175 families), Brgy. Kalbay (650 families), and Brgy. Butuan (175 families).

Residents line up at a makeshift assistance center put up by the BOC for assistance (photo: BOC-PIAD).

The relief operations were further strengthened through the support and generosity of its stakeholders, Mark Anting, James Dela Cruz, Juvy Bactuanon and the Kohaku family.

The Port of Zamboanga, under District Collector Elenita A. Abaño, in coordination with the Sub-Port of Dadiangas, also conducted Operation Tulong 2026, delivering food items, bottled water, and other basic necessities to earthquake-affected families in General Santos City and nearby areas.

The initiative involved personnel from both ports working together to gather, transport, and distribute relief goods, reinforcing inter-port cooperation in responding to community needs.

Meanwhile, the Ports of Cagayan de Oro, led by District Collector Atty. Manuel O. Zurbito, Jr., launched its own donation campaign for earthquake-affected communities in SOCCSKSARGEN, calling for contributions such as hygiene kits, ready-to-eat food, water, blankets, tents, and monetary aid from June 11 to 17, to support ongoing relief efforts.

Other ports, including the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA), Port of Manila (POM), Manila International Container Port (MICP), Port of Cebu, Port of Iloilo, Port of Surigao, Port of Batangas, and Port San Fernando La Union have likewise initiated their respective donation drives, as all BOC ports nationwide mobilize efforts to assist communities affected by the devastating earthquake in Mindanao.

The official tally thus far resulting from the 7.8 magnitude earthquake listed over 75,000 families affected, 47 deaths, 688 injuries, with 31 missing.

Initial damage assessment on infrastructure was placed at more than ₱1.2 billion with at least 20 percent of civilian houses damaged in the city of General Santos.