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The Bureau of Customs is creating a team that will act as first responders during chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, and explosives incidents within customs jurisdiction and territory
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Customs Memorandum Order No. 14-2026 institutionalizes the CBRNE Response Team, which will cover incidents relating to all types of importations such as consumption, transit, warehousing, transshipment, and exports within customs territories and free zones
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The CBRNE Response Team consists of personnel from BOC’s Enforcement and Security Service and Medical and Dental Division
The Bureau of Customs (BOC) is creating a team that will act as first responders during chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, and explosives (CBRNE) incidents within customs jurisdiction and territory.
Customs Memorandum Order (CMO) No. 14-2026 institutionalizes the CBRNE Response Team, which consists of personnel from BOC’s Enforcement and Security Service (ESS) and Medical and Dental Division who are tasked to respond to and mitigate CBRNE incidents.
CMO No. 14-2026 aims to implement guidelines and procedures “to address the pressing concerns on CBRNE incidents in our borders and/or ports of entry.”
The creation of the response team is in line with Republic Act No. 11479, or the Anti-Terrorism Act, and the country’s Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear National Action Plan (NAP), which offers a unified approach to building the capacity of the Philippines to counteract the risks associated with CBRN materials whether it is of natural, accidental or intentional/criminal origin.
CMO No. 14-2026 will cover all types of importations such as consumption, transit, warehousing, transshipment, and exports within customs territories and free zones, as stated under Section 102 of R.A. 10863, or the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act.
As part of its functions and in accordance with the NAP, the CBRNE Response Team will act as first responders and/or incident commanders to CBRNE incidents within customs jurisdiction and territory.
CBRNE incidents, according to CMO No. No. 14-2026, are intentional or unintentional release and/or exposure of chemical, biological, radiological, or nuclear materials, possibly combined with explosives, which may cause harm or pose a risk to public safety, national territory, and/or the country.
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The response team will also serve as officer on case, point person and/or supervisor on CBRNE matters, concerns, and/or incidents; and should investigate cases involving CBRNE incidents, matters, and concerns.
CMO No. 14-2026 also establishes the Central BOC-CBRNE Task Group, which will be headed by the deputy commissioner of BOC’s Enforcement Group as chairperson and ESS director as vice chairperson. The CRBNE Response Team, meanwhile, will be headed by the ESS-Environmental Protection and Compliance Division chief.— Roumina Pablo
