CUSTOMS Commissioner Bienvenido Rubio has commended the Customs Intelligence and Investigation Service (CIIS) for remarkable achievements in 2024 marked by 1,537 seizures of commercial goods valued at over P85 billion.
“For nearly four decades, the CIIS has been on the front lines, serving as the intelligence and investigation arm of the Bureau of Customs,” said Rubio.
Rubio expressed his commendation as the CIIS celebrated its 38th founding anniversary last Monday, January 27, with a ceremonial donation to the GMA Kapuso Foundation.
Rubio, along with Intelligence Group deputy commissioner Juvymax Uy and CIIS director Verne Enciso, led the turnover of a cash donation intended to help build schools and bridges in areas affected by calamities, particularly in Camarines Sur.
This donation followed President Marcos’ call for government agencies to forgo extravagant holiday celebrations in favor of supporting Filipinos affected by disasters.
“This generous contribution was made even more meaningful by the selfless gesture of Intelligence Group personnel, who voluntarily pooled a portion of their Christmas bonuses to support the cause,” Rubio note
He emphasized that the contribution not only demonstrated the success of the CIIS in supporting national security, economic integrity, and border protection, but also reflected its commitment to aiding fellow Filipinos facing significant challenges due to last year’s natural disasters.
The donation was formally received by GMA Foundation executive vice president and chief operating officer Rikki Escudero Catibog.
A key highlight of the program was the recognition of top-performing offices within the intelligence group. Enciso, one of the awardees, received special commendations for the “outstanding contributions and tireless efforts” of the Intelligence Group personnel and agents who embody the agency’s core values.
Manila Field Station chief Alvin Enciso of the CIIS – Manila International Container Port (CIIS-MICP) was also recognized as the Overall Best Field Station Office after seizing P60.5 billion worth of contraband and anti-social goods.
Reflecting on the CIIS’s accomplishments in combating smuggling, Rubio highlighted a record-breaking total of P85.167 billion worth of confiscated goods in 2024.
“In 2024 alone, the Bureau of Customs apprehended a total of P85.167 billion worth of smuggled goods—an unprecedented achievement in the history of the Bureau of Customs,” he said.
He underscored the importance of continued vigilance in response to the evolving tactics employed by criminal organizations.
“We expect CIIS to maintain or improve their performance. Recognizing that the challenges we face are changing, we must strengthen our anti-smuggling efforts, keeping in mind that protecting our society is paramount,” Rubio emphasized.