THE Bureau of Customs, National Bureau of Investigation and the Department of Justice on Monday, September 28, signed a tripartite agreement for the effective implementation of RA 12022, the amended law against the smuggling of agricultural products.
The agreement, signed by Justice Secretary Atty. Fredderick A. Vida, BOC Commissioner Ariel F. Nepomuceno, NBI Director Atty. Melvin A. Matibag, establishes a stronger framework for coordination in enforcing RA 12022, otherwise known as the Anti-Agricultural Economic Sabotage Act of 2024.
Former Justice Secretary and now Ombudsman Jesus Crispin “Boying” Remulla, was also present during the signing and delivered a message of support for the partnership.
RA 12022 is an amendment to RA 10845 or the ‘Anti-Agricultural Smuggling Act of 2016.’
The BOC said in a statement afterwards that thru the MOA, the three agencies aim to ensure that violations are met with stronger investigations, solid case build-up, and effective prosecution.
Under the agreement, the parties will work more closely in information and intelligence sharing, criminal investigation support, case build-up, evidence evaluation, referral, preliminary investigation, prosecution, and enforcement coordination in accordance with their respective mandates and existing laws, rules, and regulations.
A Technical Working Group (TWG) shall also be established to develop and implement coordination guidelines, referral mechanisms, information-sharing protocols, and other necessary measures to ensure the effective and sustained implementation of the partnership.
Commissioner Nepomuceno said the partnership will strengthen the government’s fight against agricultural smuggling by bringing together the enforcement, investigative, and legal expertise of thei respective offices.
“The fight against agricultural economic sabotage cannot be carried out by one agency alone.
“Kailangan natin ang teamwork ng DOJ, BOC, at NBI.
“Habang patuloy ang BOC sa pagharang ng mga iligal na kargamento at pagbuo ng mga kaso, katuwang natin ang NBI sa mas malalim na imbestigasyon at ang DOJ sa pagtiyak na ang mga lumalabag sa batas ay mananagot.
“Those who undermine our agricultural sector and threaten food security will be pursued and held accountable,” Commissioner Nepomuceno said.
ILBO for smuggling suspects.
Meanwhile, Commissioner Nepomuceno announced he has also asked the Bureau of Immigration (BI), another agency under the DOJ, to issue an ‘Immigration Lookout Bulletin Order’ (ILBO) against 13 individuals the BOC sued last week for involvement in smuggling activities at the Port of Subic in 2025 (Pinoy Exposé, September 23, 2026).
“We will use every legal measure available to hold accountable all those responsible.
“Anyone who enables, facilitates, or takes part in smuggling will have to answer for it. We will pursue these cases wherever the evidence leads,” Commissioner Nepomuceno said.
Covered by the request are the owner and representatives of the importer, its licensed customs broker, and nine BOC officials and employees at the Port of Subic.
The BOC informed BI Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado on the need to ensure the accused’s availability in the ongoing investigation and other legal proceedings.
The BOC also informed Viado that the list may expand should other individuals connected with the cases be identified in the course of the ongoing investigation of the incident.