Manila:The Bureau of Customs (BOC) and the Philippine National Police - Highway Patrol Group (PNP-HPG) have reaffirmed their commitment to enhance cooperation in the fight against smuggling and other illicit activities.
According to Philippines News Agency, the commitment was highlighted during the BOC's flag-raising ceremony where PNP-HPG Acting Director Police Brigadier General Joyce Patrick Bulaun Sangalang was a guest. BOC Commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno emphasized the importance of Sangalang's participation, underlining the strong coordination between the two agencies.
Sangalang stressed the complementary roles of the BOC and PNP-HPG in tackling illicit activities, with the BOC focusing on customs enforcement and trade regulation, while PNP-HPG specializes in vehicle-related enforcement and the tracking of motor vehicles involved in criminal activities.
Nepomuceno stated that the success of their cooperation should be measured not only by the number of intercepted vehicles and commodities but also by the professionalism and legality of enforcement actions. He expressed optimism for stronger collaboration in addressing smuggling, citing the BOC's accomplishments in 2025, which included 1,024 seizure operations involving goods valued at PHP61.71 billion.
From January 1 to September 13, the BOC conducted 858 enforcement and intelligence operations, resulting in the seizure of illicit goods worth approximately PHP22.74 billion. Nepomuceno noted the resolution of previous controversies between the BOC and HPG, looking forward to improved service through their partnership.
The strengthened cooperation is expected to bolster efforts in identifying and intercepting vehicles and shipments involved in smuggling, supporting the government's broader strategy against illicit trade.
Additionally, the BOC has reassigned two officials to key posts to enhance intelligence operations and oversight. Director III Thomas Narcise and Director III Jeoffrey Tacio exchanged roles, with Narcise moving to the Commissioner's Strategic Advisory Office and Tacio to the Customs Intelligence and Investigation Service - Intelligence Group. This order, effective immediately, was signed by Nepomuceno.
