BOC to decide on row with HPG
MANILA, Philippines — Bureau of Customs Commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno is expected to make a decision within the week after obtaining the administrative investigation report on BOC personnel’s confrontation with the police Highway Patrol Group.
Members of the HPG disarmed and held Customs agents at gunpoint to stop the destruction of smuggled cigarettes on Aug. 19 in Bulacan, in an alleged attempt to resell the seized items.
Two BOC respondents in the complaint filed by the HPG are on “floating” status, Nepomuceno said.
“They are not immediately guilty, but that is part of the procedure to give way to a fair investigation,” he said.
Nepomuceno issued the clarification amid allegations that the two BOC personnel were still present at the destruction of smuggled cigarettes.
The Customs chief said he is waiting for the results of the Philippine National Police’s investigation into the matter.
“I have to trust the leadership of the PNP and Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla to maintain camaraderie and cooperation between the PNP and BOC,” he said.
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