BOC exec accused of corruption accepts Sulu post

MANILA, Philippines - A Bureau of Customs (BOC) official accused of receiving millions of pesos in “tara” or grease money over the past five years, said yesterday he accepts his transfer to Jolo, Sulu.

BOC Commissioner Nicanor Faeldon announced last Thursday that the 57-year-old Arnel Baylosis’ transfer to Sulu “takes effect immediately and shall last until revoked.”

Baylosis, who used to head the bureau’s Operations Intelligence Office-Enforcement Group, said that like any good soldier, he will follow instructions and report to the BOC office in Sulu.

“That is the prerogative of the commissioner to assign us, his employees. I would gladly accept it. A good soldier is someone who would follow the orders of his commissioner and we should follow it, for as long as it is lawful,” he said.

Baylosis clarified that he does not see his transfer to Sulu, a place known to have peace and order problems, as a way for Faeldon to make life difficult for him.

He said in his 37 years in the BOC, his assignment has been limited to Metro Manila.

“This is the first time that I would be assigned elsewhere so I am also somewhat excited,” he said.

Baylosis said the fact that Faeldon announced his reassignment means that earlier reports that he has been relieved are not true.

Sick leave

On Aug. 23, Faeldon said he has relieved Baylosis.

The official has not yet formally received his reassignment orders because he has been on sick leave since Monday, ever since Faeldon announced in a press conference in Malacañang that four complainants claim Baylosis has allegedly been receiving bribe money ranging from P100 million to P220 million a month since 2012.

Baylosis said Faeldon informed him about the complainants in July but has yet to reveal their identities.

However, he said he has yet to get clearance from his doctor on when he can go back to work.

“My doctor wants me to rest and does not want me to be stressed too much because of work and advised me not to go to the office,” he said.

Baylosis said his family has been affected by the allegations against him.

“They are afraid for my security. When they heard about it they said that they did not believe it. I told them that we would just turn to prayer for the truth to come out,” he said.

Faeldon earlier said he has submitted the case folder on the allegations against Baylosis to the Department of Justice.