Manila: Bureau of Customs (BOC) Commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno has ordered all its port offices nationwide to strengthen security and accountability measures over confiscated illicit cigarettes following reports of attempted theft of seized goods under its custody.
According to Philippines News Agency, in a memorandum dated Aug. 3, Nepomuceno directed all district commanders of the Enforcement and Security Service and chiefs of the Auction and Cargo Disposal Division to immediately intensify monitoring and security protocols, maintain strict control over storage facilities, regulate and document access to confiscated goods, and promptly report any suspicious activity, attempted breach, loss, or inventory discrepancy to the Office of the Commissioner.
He stated that no confiscated illicit cigarettes shall be transferred, relocated, or otherwise disposed of without his prior written approval. Nepomuceno warned that any official or employee found to have participated in, facilitated, tolerated, or enabled the theft or unauthorized removal of confiscated cigarettes shall be immediately relieved from service and face appropriate administrative, civil, and criminal proceedings under Office of the Commissioner Memorandum 87-2026, or the agency's One-Strike Policy.
He added that command responsibility shall likewise be enforced. To further strengthen security measures, Nepomuceno also directed the Internal Administration Group, in coordination with the Enforcement Group, Assessment and Operations Coordinating Group, and Intelligence Group, to submit within five days recommendations on additional personnel, equipment, facilities, logistics, monitoring systems, and other support necessary to safeguard confiscated illicit cigarettes in all ports.
"Every seized illegal cigarette is the result of the Bureau of Customs' thorough anti-smuggling operation and serves as valuable evidence of our ongoing campaign to protect government revenue and the public. We will not tolerate any attempt to steal, divert, or endanger these, while in government custody," Nepomuceno said in a statement. "We will not tolerate any attempt to tamper with, divert, or compromise seized illegal cigarettes. Any officer or employee found to be involved or negligent in their duties will be held accountable and will face appropriate charges."
