MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has appointed Ariel F. Nepomuceno as the new Commissioner of the Bureau of Customs (BOC), tasking him to intensify efforts against smuggling and illicit trade while ensuring transparency and efficiency in revenue collection.

Nepomuceno, a former undersecretary of the Office of Civil Defense and executive director of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council, returns to the BOC where he previously served as assistant commissioner of the Post Clearance Audit Group and deputy commissioner of the Enforcement Group.

The BOC, under the Department of Finance, serves as the country’s principal border protection and trade facilitation agency. Originally created to collect duties and taxes, it has since evolved into a key player in national security, revenue generation, and economic stability.

President Marcos emphasized that the bureau must continue to protect the country’s borders while fostering legitimate trade.

Nepomuceno also held leadership roles in the private and public sectors, including director and CEO of the Office of Civil Defense in 2012, consultant at the Office of the President in 2003, and executive posts at Food Terminal Inc. and Avalon Pacific Corporation.

Prior to his latest appointment, he served as chairman and CEO of Malayan Pacific Power Holdings Corporation since 2019.