By Ferdinand Patinio
MANILA – The Bureau of Customs (BOC) reported on Wednesday that it has endorsed six cases involving Customs employees to the Department of Finance (DOF) under the Anti‑Agricultural Economic Sabotage Act.
In a statement, Customs Commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno said the endorsement is in line with the agency’s “serious and uncompromising” stance against smuggling and internal misconduct.
While the draft criminal complaints named three consignees involved in large-scale agricultural smuggling, the bureau ensured that accountability extends to its own ranks.
Nine Customs personnel are included in the draft complaint-affidavits for violations of Section 7 in relation to Section 14 of Republic Act 12022.
They are also facing charges for violation of Section 3 of Republic Act 3019 or the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act.
Nineteen more personnel are the subjects of administrative cases for neglect of duty.
“The BOC is doing everything pursuant to Customs laws and regulations to ensure that justice is served. Errant personnel who violate customs laws will not be tolerated, and all responsible individuals will face full accountability,” Nepomuceno said.
The BOC said the violations were uncovered following a comprehensive investigation into irregularities in the importation and processing of agricultural shipments at the Port of Subic, including suspected misdeclaration and unlawful facilitation of cargo clearance.
The bureau transmitted the draft criminal complaints to the DOF for review and approval prior to filing the cases with the Department of Justice. (PNA)
