Michael Fermin leaves Bureau of Customs Internal Administration post amid security concerns

This piece reveals the resignation of Michael Fermin from his role as deputy commissioner of the Bureau of Customs Internal Administration Group and examines what that means for customs operations and logistics stakeholders.

What happened: the facts in brief

Last week, Michael Fermin formally resigned as deputy commissioner for the Bureau of Customs’ Internal Administration Group (IAG). Officials confirmed the departure was driven by personal security issues, and his exit was corroborated by the Office of the Commissioner deputy chief of staff and by Assistant Commissioner Vincent Philip Maronilla. No successor has been named to date.

Official confirmations and timeline

Fermin was appointed to the deputy commissioner post by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. in April 2025. His responsibilities included helping shape policies and objectives around financial, administrative, personnel, planning and management concerns at BOC, plus overseeing service improvements. He also chaired the BOC’s Balikbayan and OFW Action Center, a unit focused on complaints and service issues affecting overseas Filipino workers.

Quick reference: key dates and confirmations

Why it matters: operational and service implications

At first glance this looks like an internal personnel move, but within customs circles even a single leadership change can ripple through processes and services. The IAG touches everything from staff administration to the management of complaint-handling channels like the Balikbayan and OFW Action Center. Without an immediate, clearly designated replacement, there is potential for temporary slowdowns in policy implementation, personnel decisions, and customer-facing services.

Possible short-term effects for shippers and logistics providers

• Slowed case resolution: Complaints from OFWs and exporters might take longer to process if the Action Center’s oversight is in transition.
• Administrative delays: Hiring, payroll, and internal approvals could be delayed, affecting departmental responsiveness.
• Policy momentum stalls: Initiatives started under Fermin’s tenure may pause while leadership aligns on next steps.
• Perception risks: External stakeholders may worry about continuity, potentially prompting caution in high-value or time-sensitive shipments.

What logistics operators should watch

“Better safe than sorry” applies here. Freight forwarders, carriers and importers should keep an eye on a few touchpoints to avoid surprises:

1. Monitor processing times at major customs checkpoints for any signs of backlog.
2. Track responses from the Balikbayan and OFW Action Center if you handle returned or held parcels for overseas Filipino workers.
3. Maintain close communication with in-country customs brokers to receive rapid updates on administrative changes.
4. Prepare contingency plans for urgent carga y envío needs, prioritizing perishable or time-sensitive loads.

Practical suggestions for companies

Companies engaged in regional trade should temporarily increase visibility on critical consignments and prioritize direct contact with customs liaisons. This is not the time to gamble on a tight delivery window; allow a buffer for possible processing hiccups. In short: communicate more, not less.

Background on Fermin’s role and responsibilities

As deputy commissioner for the IAG, Fermin was charged with helping to formulate administrative and financial policy and to streamline management processes. He previously served as IAG director and as officer-in-charge deputy commissioner for both IAG and the Management Information System and Technology Group. The Balikbayan and OFW Action Center, which he chaired, works to address longstanding issues like delayed or abandoned balikbayan boxes and other complaints from overseas Filipino workers—matters with both human and logistical impact.

Organizational resilience

Leadership turnover happens; organizations that document processes and maintain strong deputies reduce the chance of service interruptions. A healthy customs agency will have succession plans and interim reporting channels. If the BOC moves quickly to name an acting head and communicate that to stakeholders, disruption will likely be minimal.

Implications for the wider logistics ecosystem

On the global scale, this resignation is unlikely to shift major trade flows. Regionally, however, changes at BOC leadership can influence processing efficiency, which in turn affects trucking schedules, warehouse throughput and last-mile delivery for parcels and bulky items. The lesson is practical: successful logistics depends not only on routes and rates but also on stable administrative oversight at customs authorities.

Lista de verificación para equipos de logística

• Confirm documentation and permits are complete before shipment.
• Build extra lead time into critical routes.
• Keep digital records accessible to reduce dependence on single-person approvals.
• Maintain relationships with multiple customs brokers to ensure alternatives.

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In summary, the resignation of Michael Fermin from the Bureau of Customs Internal Administration position raises short-term concerns for administrative continuity and the handling of OFW-related complaints, but it is not likely to reshape international trade overnight. Stakeholders should monitor processing times, maintain open lines with customs brokers, and build buffers into schedules. For shippers and logistics managers looking for practical solutions during periods of administrative change, platforms like GetTransport.com offer affordable and flexible options for carga, carga, envío y entrega needs—backed by services for transporte, envío, reenvío y enviar. Whether you move pallets, parcels, containers or bulky household items during a housemove or international relocation, reliable courier and haulage partners matter. Effective distribution and relocation depend on visible, resilient logistics—so plan ahead, keep calm, and ship smart.