By Henry Empeño | November 10, 2026

SUBIC BAY FREEPORT — Former Port of Batangas District Collector Noah Macabato Dimaporo took over the reins of the Bureau of Customs (BOC) at the Port of Subic on Monday, November 9, marking a new transition of leadership here in less than six months.

Dimaporo, who served at the Batangas port from April 2025 until his assignment here, succeeded Atty. Geniefelle P. Lagmay, who took over the Subic post last May 18.

BOC-Subic said in a statement on Monday that Dimaporo is expected to build on the Port’s continuing initiatives and accomplishments, and cited Lagmay for leading the Port of Subic in advancing its operational efficiency, strengthening border protection, enhancing trade facilitation, and sustaining revenue collection performance.

Under Dimaporo, the Port of Subic “looks forward to a new chapter of service, strengthened institutional commitment, and sustained efforts toward a more efficient, accountable, and modernized customs administration,” the statement added.

Dimaporo’s appointment came as the Port of Subic faced close public scrutiny with agricultural smuggling and mounting pressure to dispose of abandoned and misdeclared cargo that has accumulated at the port over recent years.

While BOC-Subic collected P4.621 billion in revenue for September this year and surpassed its monthly target of P4.245 billion by P375.87 million, BOC Commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno has ordered a “full-scale cleansing” at the Port of Subic to replace erring personnel.

Last September, the BOC filed criminal complaints against nine BOC-Subic employees and importers for their alleged involvement in the illegal importation and misdeclaration of agricultural products.

In October, the Subic BOC office under Lagmay launched the “Subic Rise” organization training program to encourage its personnel to uphold ethical standards, remain steadfast under pressure, practice transparency and responsible decision-making, and recognize the broader national significance of their work.

Meanwhile, BOC-Subic also faced intense pressure from 118 overstaying refrigerated containers—a problem Lagmay vowed to expedite clearing upon his takeover in May—and millions worth of abandoned goods, including smuggled cigarettes and agricultural products.

On October 20, BOC-Subic announced the complete disposal of smuggled cigarettes contained in five 40-foot vans to ensure that the contraband will not be reintroduced into the market.

However, available information indicated that as of October, only 25 out of the 118 overstaying refrigerated containers have been pulled out of Subic. BOC officials attributed the delay in disposing of the contents to legal, administrative, and environmental requirements that must be cleared before condemnation.

BOC-Subic said the leadership transition stresses the importance of continuity, teamwork, and shared responsibility among Subic port personnel in delivering efficient, transparent, and responsive customs services.

On Monday, it also reaffirmed its commitment to support the Bureau’s continuing reform agenda and pursue stronger collaboration with stakeholders and partner agencies to advance trade facilitation, border security, and public service excellence. ▲