BOC Chief to Decide on Bulacan Cigarette Destruction Incident This Week

 

Bureau of Customs (BOC) Commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno is expected to determine the next steps in the administrative case involving Customs personnel and members of the Philippine National Police Highway Patrol Group (HPG) after reviewing the investigation findings.

The incident occurred on Aug. 19 in Bulacan, where HPG officers reportedly disarmed Customs personnel and held them at gunpoint to prevent the destruction of confiscated smuggled cigarettes. The confrontation was linked to allegations that the seized tobacco products were being kept for possible resale rather than destroyed as intended.

Two Customs employees named in the HPG complaint have been placed on floating status while the case undergoes review. Nepomuceno clarified that the administrative measure should not be interpreted as a finding of guilt, emphasizing that it allows the investigation to proceed fairly.

The clarification came amid allegations that the two personnel remained involved in the cigarette destruction operation despite being subject to the complaint.

Nepomuceno said he is also awaiting the results of the Philippine National Police's separate investigation before making a decision. He underscored the importance of maintaining cooperation between the two agencies, citing his confidence in PNP leadership and Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla to help preserve coordination between the police and Customs.

The outcome of the investigations is expected to guide the next steps in determining accountability and addressing the circumstances surrounding the confrontation.