BOC-NAIA, NAKASABAT NG ‘MISDECLARED OUTBOUND SHIPMENT’ NA NAGLALAMAN NG MILLIPEDES

Alinsunod sa direktiba ni President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. na magpatupad ng border protection at mahigpit na customs regulations, nakasabat ang the Bureau of Customs – Ninoy Aquino International Airport (BOC-NAIA) sa ilalim ng pamamahala ni NAIA District Collector Atty. Yasmin Mapa ng isang outbound parcel na naglalaman ng walong containers ng live millipedes, sa isang warehouse sa Pasay City nitong November 19, 2025.

Ang shipment na patungong United Kingdom ay idineklara bilang assorted consumer goods gaya ng juice powder mix, face masks, wooden jewelry box, instant noodles, delicacies, plastic photo frame craft items at nadiskubre sa x-ray screening ng X-Ray Inspection Project (XIP) dahil sa kakaibang scanned images.

Ang insidente ay paglabag sa Republic Act No. 10863 (Customs Modernization and Tariff Act), partikular ng Section 1400 (Misdeclaration) and Section 1401 (Unlawful Importation/Exportation).

Ayon kay BOC Commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno, kapuri-puri ang pagiging alerto ng mga BOC personnel: “This operation highlights the Bureau’s strengthened capability in detecting attempts to misdeclare goods, particularly shipments involving wildlife species. The BOC remains committed to enforcing customs laws and preventing the unauthorized transport of regulated or prohibited items.”

Sinabi naman ni NAIA District Collector Mapa na,“The interception underscores the importance of accurate declarations and full compliance with export requirements. BOC-NAIA will continue to work closely with partner agencies to ensure that our outbound cargo facilities are not exploited for illicit activities involving wildlife or other regulated commodities.”

Ayon kay BOC-NAIA deputy collector for passenger services Dr. Mark Jhon Almase, “this operation reinforces the Bureau’s commitment to uphold customs and environmental laws, protect biodiversity, and maintain the integrity of the country’s borders.”

Ang kinumpiskang wildlife specimens ay agad na ipinadala sa mga kinatawan ng Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) para sa wastong disposisyon, ayon pa kay Almase. (JERRY S. TAN)