Malacañang on Tuesday underscored the government's renewed and intensified campaign against smuggling, following the appointment of Ariel Nepomuceno as the new chief of the Bureau of Customs (BOC).

In a press briefing, Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has tasked Nepomuceno with ramping up border security and anti-smuggling operations.

“Nagsisimula na po ang pamahalaan sa paglaban, sa mas matinding laban, sa smuggling (The government has begun a more serious fight against smuggling),” Castro said, emphasizing the President’s confidence in Nepomuceno’s track record.

Castro said Nepomuceno is no stranger to the BOC, having held several key positions in the agency.

Nepomuceno previously served as Assistant Commissioner of the Post Clearance Audit Group from December 2017 to April 2018 and as Deputy Commissioner of the Enforcement Group from December 2013 to February 2017.

His government service also includes a stint as Director and CEO of the Office of Civil Defense under the Department of National Defense from December 2012 to March 2013, and as a consultant at the Office of the President in 2003.

Nepomuceno replaced Bienvenido Rubio as Customs chief, about a month after Marcos called for the courtesy resignation of all Cabinet secretaries and heads of agencies to allow for a performance review.

“Ang tanging gusto ng Pangulo ay maging tapat sa bansa, labanan ang smuggling, at siyempre po, maging transparent sa koleksyon ng revenue (The President only wants those who are loyal to the country, committed to fighting smuggling, and transparent in revenue collection),” Castro said when asked about Rubio’s replacement.

“Kung ano man ang naging dahilan ng ating Pangulo, malamang ito’y patungkol pa rin para sa ikakaganda ng serbisyo sa taumbayan (Whatever the President’s reasons are, they likely aim to improve public service),” she added.

Castro also confirmed that aside from Rubio, five other BOC officials — including deputy commissioners, directors, and collectors — have been relieved from their posts as part of the BOC leadership shake-up.