BUREAU of Customs (BOC) Commissioner Ariel F. Nepomuceno ordered the creation of a “real time monitoring dashboard” to secure and protect the integrity of all seized, forfeited and abandoned cargoes and prevent their potential losses, pilferage and theft.
The Customs Chief’s instruction is on top of his directive early this month focused on securing smuggled cigarettes amidst reports that some unscrupulous elements are trying to secure the release of the cigarettes for their personal gain (Pinoy Exposé, August 9, 2026).
Pursuant to the Commissioner’s directive, a series of measures are being implemented to enhance the monitoring, protection, and timely disposition of seized, forfeited, and abandoned goods, the BOC said in a statement last August 18.
Among the measures is the development of a real-time monitoring dashboard to provide centralized visibility over goods under customs custody and to support closer monitoring of their status and movement, the statement added.
The BOC is likewise strengthening physical security through the installation of additional closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras and the deployment of additional manpower in identified storage and holding areas.
To further strengthen accountability during inspection and handling activities, the BOC is also planning the procurement of body-worn cameras (BWCs) for personnel involved in relevant operations.
The BOC first procured BWCs during the term of Commissioner Rey Leonardo ‘Jagger’ Guerrero (Pinoy Exposé, August 25, 2021).
The BOC has likewise strengthened its coordination with the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) to reinforce security measures and ensure closer inter-agency cooperation in safeguarding goods under customs custody.
“Mahalaga na lahat ng seized goods na nasa kustodiya ng BOC ay maayos na nababantayan. Patuloy nating pinapalakas ang ating monitoring, security, at koordinasyon upang matiyak ang maayos at naaayon sa batas na pangangalaga at disposisyon ng mga ito,” said Commissioner Nepomuceno.
He also ordered site visits at the Ports of Cebu and Surigao, where one of the largest seizures of illicit cigarettes in BOC history was carried out, to assess the implementation of strengthened security measures.
HPG men axed over smuggled cigarettes
Meanwhile, in his social media page last August 22, veteran newsman Ramon ‘Mon’ Tulfo said several members and officers from the Highway Patrol Group of the Philippine National Police (HPG-PNP) were relieved and investigated on the order of Chief PNP Melencio Nartatez.
The policemen allegedly barged inside an incinerator facility in Bulacan past 10:00 pm on August 20 where Customs agents from the Enforcement and Security Service (ESS/Customs Police) and Intelligence Service (CIIS) were supervising the destruction of smuggled cigarettes in accordance with existing customs regulations. Also with them is a representative from the Department of Agriculture.
Tulfo narrated the HPG team headed by National Capital Region (NCR) Deputy Director P/LTCOL. Carlo Carreon Loñosa pointed their guns at the Customs agents and the DA representative who immediately informed Commissioner Nepomuceno of the incident.
A subsequent social media update on Sunday by online news channel ‘bilyonaryo.com’ identified those ordered relieved aside from Loñosa as: PMAJOR Roman Amparo Exile, PMSMS Dennis Attaban Ancheta and Bryan Nicol Castillo;
PCPL. Melvin Da-Ut Habbiling, Edrick Prologo Semilla and, Reneboy Puno Sumbilon; PAT. Gabriel Darole Capellan, Jeffrey Buela Carilo, Bill Anthony Bilao Estrada and Andrew Bernardino Marzan.
Also relieved in a separate order was HPG NCR Director PCOL. Joey Tomas Caise.
Commissioner Nepomuceno praised the decisive action taken by the PNP leadership under Nartatez to discipline and investigate its erring members.
“Nagapapasalamat tayo kay Chief PNP General Nartatez at Highway Patrol Director General Rommel Batangan sa kanilang mabilis na aksyon,” Commissioner Nepomuceno told Pinoy Exposé in a phone interview.
He noted that when confronted, the HPG team has “many inconsistencies” in their explanation in an apparent effort to wiggle themselves out of the mess they created.
The failed effort by the unscrupulous members of the police to take away the cigarettes ready for condemnation merely strengthened the resolve of Commissioner Nepomuceno to strengthen the BOC’s security measures to prevent smuggled goods from falling into the wrong hands.