BOC exec in bribe mess relieved

MANILA, Philippines - The head of the Bureau of Customs-Enforcement and Security Service (BOC-ESS) assigned in Davao has been relieved of his post amid allegations that he received P2.5 million in bribe money.

BOC Deputy Commissioner for Enforcement Group Ariel Nepomuceno, who supervises the ESS, said he signed and submitted the relief order for ESS-Davao head Maj. Camilo Cascolan Jr. on Tuesday afternoon. “I have not received a formal complaint about it but since there is a verbal complaint given to the commissioner, what we are doing is to relieve him immediately so he would no longer have any authority (over ESS Davao) and so there would be due process,” Nepomuceno said.  

Cascolan allegedly tried to prevent the release of 15 trucks that came from China and reportedly owned by a certain Mercado. It was allegedly at this time when the P2.5 million was given to him.