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The Bureau of Customs reaffirmed its partnership with the Philippine National Police, stating that mutual respect, trust and close coordination are essential to the government’s campaign against smuggling and illegal trade
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The statement comes after an incident in Bulacan where a police team reportedly mistreated Customs officers conducting an authorized condemnation activity in Bulacan
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Customs chief Ariel Nepomuceno backed BOC-Port of Subic personnel involved in the lawful condemnation of goods
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The BOC described the incident as isolated
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BOC welcomed the PNP leadership’s swift action in addressing the incident
The Bureau of Customs (BOC) reaffirmed its partnership with the Philippine National Police (PNP), saying mutual respect, trust and close coordination are essential to the government’s campaign against smuggling and illicit trade.
The statement comes after an incident in Bulacan where a police team reportedly mistreated Customs officers who were conducting an authorized condemnation of goods in Bulacan.
The BOC said its “longstanding cooperation” with the PNP has resulted in successful joint operations that led to the apprehension of suspects and the seizure of billions of pesos’ worth of smuggled and illicit goods.
BOC said this cooperation “must be preserved and strengthened.”
The BOC described as “isolated” the recent incident in Bulacan, which involved BOC-Port of Subic personnel conducting a lawful condemnation activity and personnel of the PNP Highway Patrol Group.
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Customs commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno stood by the Customs personnel involved, stressing that they must be “accorded due respect, professionalism and proper treatment” while performing their duties in accordance with established inter-agency protocols.
At the same time, the BOC welcomed the swift action by the PNP leadership to address the matter.
The PNP announced on Monday that the police officers involved have been relieved pending investigation of the incident.
The bureau said it does not want the incident to undermine the strong partnership between the two agencies.
Nepomuceno emphasized using the incident as a chance to enhance coordination and refine operational protocols, aiming to prevent similar situations in the future.
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