Pasay city: The Bureau of Customs (BOC) has relieved nine Customs personnel linked to a reported extortion incident at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 3 in Pasay City. BOC Commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno stated that the incident, which occurred in June, is now under a full-blown investigation by the Internal Inquiry Division of the Customs Intelligence and Investigation Service (CIIS). The involved personnel have been removed from their posts pending the outcome of the probe.
According to Philippines News Agency, the BOC emphasized that they take misconduct seriously, assuring that any form of abuse of position by personnel will be met with immediate and proper action. To address complaints swiftly, the BOC has implemented a 24-hour complaint reporting policy for immediate action on personnel misconduct.
A memorandum dated July 24, 2025, directed all concerned personnel to report formal written complaints against BOC staff to the Office of the Commissioner within 24 hours. Each report must include corresponding spot or incident reports and any relevant supporting documents or evidence to ensure discipline and transparency.
The directive also mandates that offices with jurisdiction over involved personnel may need to submit initial findings and recommendations within 48 hours of the complaint's filing. These recommendations may include proposals for preventive suspension or relief orders as deemed necessary by the Commissioner. Additionally, the Commissioner may act motu proprio to safeguard the integrity of internal processes.
The BOC warned that failure to comply with the reporting requirement may result in the presumption of Neglect of Duty or other administrative violations under the Revised Rules on Administrative Cases in the Civil Service, which will be addressed accordingly.
In a separate statement, the BOC clarified that the PHP3 million mentioned in circulating reports refers to the dutiable value of the items declared and not the amount allegedly extorted. The Bureau of Customs is currently investigating the reported irregularities and the assertions made in the complaint.
