The Bureau of Customs – Ninoy Aquino International Airport office on Tuesday announced that it has surpassed by P1.2 billion its P2.35 billion revenue target for the month of July.
NAIA district collector Carmelita Talusan attributed the port’s positive performance of collecting P3.55 billion last month to its improved modernized systems and streamlined Customs processes. She also recognized the efforts and support of the entire Customs-NAIA team to the reform initiatives in revenue collection.
“These are all part of the strengthened collaborative efforts of the Port of NAIA under the guidance of Commissioner Yogi Filemon Ruiz with the port’s stakeholders and warehouse operators,” she said.
In February, the Customs – NAIA received its first International Organization for Standardization (ISO) – quality management system – surveillance audit approval. This is part of the bureau’s commitment to promote efficiency and transformation within government service.
Talusan recognized the importance of having the Port ISO certified, saying as a gateway for international travelers, NAIA is considered as the bureau’s model port by the international community.
She said having ISO certified processes would ensure international recognition of cargo clearance and releasing thus promoting ease of doing business in port.
Talusan also said her port remains committed in its drive to collect revenues and vigilant in its efforts to prevent smuggling, as well as fraudulent and illegal acts.
The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency had also commended the Port of NAIA for its accomplishment and proactive measures in going after smuggling of anti-social goods, especially illegal drugs, in 2021.
The port was recognized by PDEA led by its NCR chief Christian Frivaldo for its achievement last year when it intercepted 57 shipments of illegal drugs worth P122.7 million.
The contraband, including shipments of kush, ketamine, cocaine, ecstasy, shabu and liquid marijuana, were intercepted by Customs agents with the help from operatives of PDEA and NAIA – Inter-Agency Drug Interdiction Task Group (IADITG).
During first half of 2021, Talusan’s men were able to intercept P45 million worth of smuggled prohibited substance.
“Over the years, the Port of NAIA continue to perform in partnership with IADITG and PDEA in the borders. As of record, there were 31 drug-related busts in 2019, 43 drug busts in 2020, and 57 drug busts in 2021,” said Talusan.
This year, the port busted more than 17 smuggled shipments of prohibited substance with an estimate value of P34.83 million.