Customs sees ‘CPRIG’ as “standard bearer” of integrity, discipline

THE Customs leadership headed by Commissioner Ariel F. Nepomuceno welcomed the entry into service of the newly formed ‘Customs Police Rapid Intervention Group’ (CPRIG) that the agency envisioned as the “standard bearer” of its commitment to “integrity, discipline and professionalism.”

“Kayo ang magdadala ng ating tinatawag na panuntunan. You are the standard bearer. Nasa inyong balikat ang responsibilidad na panatilihin ang integridad, disiplina, at propesyonalismo ng Customs Police.

“Sa bawat operasyon at tungkuling inyong gagampanan, dala ninyo ang pangalan ng Bureau of Customs at ang tiwala ng sambayanang Pilipino,” Commissioner Nepomuceno said during the welcoming ceremony for the 29-members team last May 11 at the Port of Manila, with Armed Forces Chief of Staff General Romeo S. Brawner Jr. as special guest (see related article here).

Commissioner Nepomuceno further underscored the importance of sustaining the operational capability, discipline, and professionalism developed during the training, noting that the CPRIG is a vital force in supporting the bureau’s enforcement and border protection operations.

The CPRIG graduates underwent an intensive, 4-months special operations training supervised by the AFP Special Forces Command and the Presidential Security Group (PSG).

The training program includes airport and seaport operations, tactical intelligence, Tactical Combat Casualty Care (TCCC), pistol and rifle marksmanship, IED identification, tactical communications, Close Quarter Battle (CQB), Vessel Boarding, Search and Seizure (VBSS), and Executive Protection Service.

The BOC said in a statement that the program is designed to develop a highly capable tactical unit equipped to carry out high-risk enforcement operations and respond swiftly to evolving security threats.

The initiative forms part of the BOC’s ongoing efforts to enhance frontline enforcement and safeguard the country’s ports and borders against smuggling and other evolving transnational crimes.

For his part, General Brawner reminded the graduates of their role in ensuring the nation’s stability and security.

“Today is a recognition of the transformation of the men and women who answered the call to serve with greater discipline and purpose.

Every threat intercepted, every successful operation, and every crime prevented contributes to the stability and security of our nation,” the AFP Chief said.

“Skill without integrity is dangerous, and strength without discipline is meaningless,” he added.