Manila: Bureau of Customs (BOC) Commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno described Lieutenant Lars Jalani II, the relieved chief of their Enforcement and Security Service (ESS) in Zamboanga in connection with the shooting incident at the Ateneo de Zamboanga University, as a 'competent officer.' In a televised interview, Nepomuceno noted that the BOC official was behind several successful anti-smuggling operations of the bureau.

According to Philippines News Agency, Nepomuceno emphasized that Jalani was not being defended but was appointed as head of the Customs police in Zamboanga due to his effective work. Nepomuceno stated, "We fight smugglers, especially in that area which is a hot spot for smuggling cigarettes, oil, agricultural products, particularly rice. He puts himself in harm's way 24/7."

Nepomuceno explained that Jalani was relieved from his post because an investigation would be conducted to determine how his son accessed the firearms used in the school shooting. "We are not blaming him for what his son did. But as a public official, offhand, he should have been more careful on how to ensure that his guns are safe and would not be accessed by his children. That is the reason why I am compelled, as the Commissioner, to relieve him," he elaborated.

The BOC chief assured the agency's cooperation with the investigations being conducted on the incident.