Bureau of Customs (BoC) Commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno on Thursday has ordered an investigation into allegations of smuggling at the Port of Manila, leading to the relief of a key intelligence official.
In a statement, Nepomuceno announced that Paul Oliver Pacunayen, chief of the Customs Intelligence and Investigation Service (CIIS) field station, was relieved of his duties pending the results of the probe. Deputy Commissioner for Intelligence Romy Rosales has been tasked to lead the investigation.
“We will act and investigate all complaints and hold accountable anybody who is found to have committed infractions of law and the ethical standards of public officers,” Nepomuceno said, adding that penalties will be implemented following due process.
The move comes after concerned officials and stakeholders sent a letter to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. alleging that smuggling activities have resurfaced in the nation’s ports. The letter also named CIIS director Thomas Narcise.
When asked about Narcise’s status, Chris Noel Bendijo, deputy chief of staff for the Office of the Commissioner, noted that Narcise is a presidential appointee.
“Disciplining authority is with the appointing power,” Bendijo said.
Despite the allegations, Nepomuceno maintained that smuggling has decreased overall, pointing to higher revenue collection compared to last year. He noted that various business groups have recognized reforms in governance and the ease of doing business at the bureau.
“However, I treat feedback and complaints seriously,” Nepomuceno said. “This is to ensure that we are indeed doing enough improvements and that we shall be able to sustain the momentum of transforming BoC. I promised this to PBBM, and the country is watching.”