13/07/2026
ππ¨πππ¨π«πππ©πππππ¬ | The Bureau of Customs (BOC) β Port of General Santos, through its designated representatives, Merjam Cela M. Edulan, Chief of Staff and Chief of the Export Section, COO IV, and Vanne Ishvi Lamoste, CIIS Intelligence Officer I, actively participated in the Regular Quarterly Meeting of the General Santos City International Airport Inter-Agency Drug Interdiction Task Group (GSIA IADITG) at the Conference Room, Administration Building, General Santos City International Airport. The meeting was convened by the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) Regional Office XII as part of its continuing efforts to strengthen inter-agency collaboration, enhance operational coordination, and reinforce measures against the trafficking of illegal drugs and other prohibited substances through the country's air transport gateways.
During the meeting, member agencies were apprised of the latest developments, accomplishments, and ongoing initiatives of the GSIA IADITG in support of the government's intensified anti-illegal drug campaign. Participants also received comprehensive briefings on the operational procedures of Philippine Airlines (PAL) Cargo and Cebu Pacific Cargo, highlighting cargo handling processes, security protocols, screening mechanisms, and risk management measures designed to detect, deter, and prevent the transport of illegal drugs and other contraband through air cargo operations. The meeting further served as a valuable platform for the exchange of intelligence information, operational updates, challenges, and best practices among partner agencies tasked with securing the airport and its surrounding areas.
Representatives from the Bureau of Customs, led by Merjam Cela M. Edulan and Vanne Ishvi Lamoste, actively engaged in the discussions by sharing updates on customs enforcement programs, cargo examination procedures, intelligence-driven operations, and border protection initiatives being implemented at ports of entry. Their participation reaffirmed the agency's steadfast commitment to supporting a whole-of-government approach in combating illegal drug trafficking, smuggling, and other forms of transnational organized crime. Through strengthened coordination and information sharing, the Bureau continues to enhance its capability to detect high-risk shipments and prevent the entry and exit of illicit goods across Philippine borders.
The active participation of the Bureau of Customs in the GSIA IADITG Regular Quarterly Meeting underscores the critical importance of sustained cooperation, intelligence sharing, and coordinated enforcement efforts among law enforcement and regulatory agencies. The enduring partnership between the Bureau of Customs β Sub-Port of General Santos, under the leadership of Port Collector Ralph Antone S. Rojo, with the supervision of District Collector Maita S. Acevedo of the Port of Davao and the guidance of Customs Commissioner Ariel F. Nepomuceno, and the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency β General Santos City International Airport Inter-Agency Drug Interdiction Task Group (GSIA IADITG) remains instrumental in strengthening border security and enhancing interdiction capabilities. Through continuous collaboration, joint operations, intelligence exchange, and capacity-building initiatives, both agencies play a vital role in safeguarding the country's borders, securing the airport against illicit activities, protecting the welfare of the public, and advancing the national government's campaign toward a drug-free and secure Philippines.
