Customs exec in hot water for alleged smuggling activities

Bureau of Customs (BOC) Commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno has ordered an investigation into allegations that smuggling activities have resurfaced at the Port of Manila.

In a statement, Nepomuceno said Customs Intelligence and Investigation Service (CIIS) field station chief Paul Oliver Pacunayen has been relieved from his post pending the outcome of the probe.

“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. We will formally announce the result of this investigation and implement appropriate penalties after observance of due process,” Nepomuceno said.

Deputy Commissioner for Intelligence Romy Rosales has been designated to lead the investigation.

Pacunayen was among those named in a letter sent to President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. by concerned BOC officials, employees, and stakeholders, which alleged that smuggling operations have returned in several ports.

Also mentioned in the letter was CIIS Director Thomas Narcise, a former member of Task Force Aduana.

Asked about Narcise’s status, Chris Noel Bendijo, deputy chief of staff of the Office of the Commissioner, said any disciplinary action against him falls under the President’s authority.

“Dir. Narcise is a presidential appointee. Disciplining authority is with the appointing power,” Bendijo said in a message.

Nepomuceno, however, maintained that smuggling has been curbed, citing improved revenue collection and positive feedback from the business sector.

“I actually believe that smuggling has been reduced if we will objectively appreciate the collection improvements compared to last year’s performance. Even various business groups have recognized the improvements in BOC in terms of ease of doing business, governance, and the ongoing reforms,” he said in a message.

“However, I treat feedback and complaints seriously. 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,” Nepomuceno added.