BOC, HPG settle dispute, look forward to “serving the country better”

THE Bureau of Customs (BOC) and the Highway Patrol Group (HPG) of the Philippine National Police (PNP) reached out to each other to settle their dispute arising from a controversial HPG operation in Sta. Maria, Bulacan, last August 19.

Commissioner Ariel F. Nepomuceno and other Customs officials warmly welcomed HPG Acting Director PBGEN. Joyce Patrick Bulaun Sangalang as Guest of Honor and Speaker during the BOC Flag Raising Ceremony last September 21, to show both sides are willing to move their relationship for the better.

PBGen Sangalang highlighted the complementary roles of the BOC and PNP-HPG in addressing illicit activities involving the movement of goods and motor vehicles.

He emphasized that closer coordination between the two agencies can strengthen enforcement beyond ports and customs facilities, particularly in monitoring the movement of goods and vehicles that may be involved in smuggling and other unlawful activities.

“Our cooperation must not only be measured by the number or value of vehicles and commodities intercepted. It must also be measured by the integrity, professionalism, and legality with which every enforcement action is carried out,” Sangalang said.

The Customs Chief, for his part, emphasized the importance of strengthening partnerships with government agencies in addressing illicit activities that extend beyond ports and customs facilities.

“Dahil tapos na officially ang kontrobersyang ipinupukol between the HPG and the Bureau of Customs, tayo ay naniniwala na we will look forward to serving the country better and stronger with the relationship we have now with the HPG,” Nepomuceno said.

It can be recalled that on the night of August 19, while Customs personnel from the Port of Subic and a representative from the Department of Agriculture (DA) are busy destroying smuggled cigarettes at an authorized facility in Sta. Maria, Bulacan, elements from the National Capital Region (NCR) office of the HPG barged into the facility and held those present at gunpoint.

The incident resulted to the immediate relief and investigation of the involved HPG officers headed by HPG NCR Deputy Director PLTCOL. Carlo Carreon Loñosa, as Commissioner Nepomuceno protested the incident to PNP Director General Melencio Nartatez (Pinoy Exposé, August 24, 2026).

The HPG, meanwhile, doubled down on the incident by claiming they are conducting a ‘buy-bust’ operation at the time involving smuggled cigarettes.

On August 28, the HPG filed a criminal complaint at the Prosecutor’s Office in Malolos, Bulacan naming two Customs personnel, one alias ‘Alex’ and one alias ‘Joy’ as involved in the reselling of smuggled cigarettes.

Mainstream media reports also said that the complaint named one Jesus Froilan Acebes Carpiso as the “middleman” in the transaction with the two Customs ‘special agents’ involving 225 master cases of ‘Carnival Red’ cigarettes valued at ₱8.4 million.

In response, Commissioner Nepomuceno said an internal investigation on the claim of the HPG is being conducted while also announcing they plan to bring the matter to the National Police Commission (NAPOLCOM). However, there was no further announced development in this regard up to now.

Expressing his willingness to turn a new page, Commissioner Nepomuceno told HPG Director Sangalang: “We are at a point where there are many challenges. Let us serve the country better with a stronger relationship between the Highway Patrol Group of the Philippine National Police and the Bureau of Customs.”