BOC intel officer resigns

MANILA, Philippines — The Bureau of Customs (BOC) has confirmed the resignation of Intelligence Group deputy commissioner Romeo Allan Rosales.

“He did not mention in his letter (his reason). But there were smuggled items, which he thought he failed to act on, so he resigned,” Customs Commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno said yesterday.

Asked if there were people who reprimanded Rosales, Nepomuceno did not give a direct answer.

Rosales’ resignation took effect on Monday.

His replacement could be Nepomuceno’s former classmate at the Philippine Military Academy. The Customs chief belongs to PMA Class 1987.

Nepomuceno said he has recommended a replacement to President Marcos and Finance Secretary Frederick Go.

While the position is vacant, Nepomuceno said he would “act as the de facto officer-in-charge.”

Rotten meat

Almost 577,000 kilos of rotten meat and fish worth P178.5 million have been seized at the Manila International Container Port.

Of 22 abandoned shipping containers, 16 came from Brazil, two from the Netherlands and one each from Australia, France, United Kingdom and the US.

The thawed products were imported between Oct. 19, 2025 and March 26.

Customs personnel found the cold chain conditions of the meat and fish compromised.

Fifteen importers are being probed for possible civil liability as well as violation of the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act.

With the cost of incineration estimated at around P4 million, the BOC is studying if the importers can be held accountable and cover the amount.

Around P11 million in taxes could not be collected by the BOC.