P31.65-M Agarwood Shipment Seized at NAIA

P31.65-M Agarwood Shipment Seized at NAIA

By Bing Jabadan  – TheNationWeek.Com  l   August 7, 2025  

PASAY CITY, Philippines – Customs officials have intercepted a huge shipment of illegally exported agarwood valued at around P31.65 million at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport.

The shipment, declared as “Mahogany wood hand carving design” and “Pack of dried sibukaw wood sticks,” turned out to be highly valuable agarwood after a thorough inspection.

The rare wood is internationally sought after for its applications in perfumes, traditional medicine, and luxury products.

“Safeguarding our country’s biodiversity is a collective duty,” Customs Commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno stressed.

“This seizure reflects our unwavering dedication to enforcing environmental and customs regulations in collaboration with our partner agencies,” he said.

The operation was carried out in coordination with the Environmental Protection Compliance Division and the BOC Enforcement Group.

The confiscated items were turned over to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources for appropriate management and disposal.

BOC-NAIA District Collector Alexandra Lumontad reiterated the BOC’s commitment to enhancing border security against environmental crimes and illegal wildlife trade.

The BOC-NAIA remains vigilant in collaboration with various agencies to thwart the exploitation of the Philippines’ natural resources, she said.