Manila: Strengthen border protection and intensify the government's campaign against smuggling. These were President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s marching orders to newly appointed Bureau of Customs (BOC) Commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno as he takes the helm of one of the country's most critical revenue-generating and border protection agencies.

According to Philippines News Agency, Palace Press Officer Claire Castro emphasized the President's directive during a press briefing. Castro stated, "Unang-una po, strengthen 'yung border protection at labanan nga po ang smuggling. Nag-uumpisa na po ang pamahalaan sa mas matinding laban sa smuggling (First of all, strengthen border protection and fight smuggling. The government is now starting a more intensified campaign against smuggling)."

The change in the BOC's leadership is part of President Marcos Jr.'s ongoing evaluation of top government officials. Castro highlighted the President's focus on delivering quality public service through agency heads and leaders. "Ang Pangulo ang nais po talaga makapagbigay ng magandang serbisyo ang bawat heads of agencies, ang bawat leader na nasasakupan ng ating pangulo (The President wants every agency head, every leader under him, to deliver quality public service)," Castro added.

In addition to appointing Nepomuceno, the Palace official disclosed that six BOC officials, including collectors, deputy commissioners, and directors, were replaced, along with former Customs chief Bienvenido Rubio.

Nepomuceno, who previously served as the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) Administrator, took his oath as Customs chief before the President on Monday. His prior experience includes serving as BOC's Deputy Commissioner for the Enforcement Group from 2013 to 2017.