MANILA – The Bureau of Customs (BOC) at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) intercepted three outbound parcels containing agarwood valued at ₱9.3 million, in coordination with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).

The shipments, seized at a warehouse facility in Pasay City on September 10, were declared as dried alingatong wood chips but were flagged during x-ray inspection. A 100% physical examination revealed 3.80 kg, 4.10 kg, and 4.52 kg of agarwood, a regulated forest product.

Authorities said the misdeclaration violated the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act (RA 10863), the Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act (RA 9147), and the Revised Forestry Code of the Philippines (PD 705).

The seized items are now under BOC-NAIA custody for turnover to DENR.

Customs Commissioner Ariel F. Nepomuceno said the operation shows the government’s commitment to protecting the country’s natural resources and biodiversity.

District Collector Alexandra Y. Lumontad added that strict monitoring and inter-agency coordination prevent international gateways from being used in trafficking illegal forest products.