BOC, PNP STRENGTHEN PARTNERSHIP WITH CHIEF PNP VISIT

‘Don’t second guess my programs,’ says Comm. Nepomuceno

On Jul 16, 2025

CHIEF PNP at BOC. PGEN. NICOLAS TORRE III is warmly welcomed at the Bureau of Customs by Commissioner Ariel F. Nepomuceno as special guest during the agency's flag-raising ceremony last Monday, July 14. Beaming with pride at the center is retired PNP general, Nolasco Bathan, the new Deputy Commissioner for Enforcement (photo credit: BOC-PIAD).

THE Bureau of Customs (BOC) under Commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno, aims to further deepen its partnership with the Philippine National Police (PNP) in support of the government’s campaign against corruption, smuggling and threats to national security. This, after Chief PNP PGEN. Nicolas Torre III agreed to join the agency’s flag-raising ceremony last Monday, July 14, on the invitation of the Customs chief where Torre also gave an inspirational speech.

In a statement, the BOC said Torre’s visit also highlights “the continued importance of inter-agency collaboration in advancing public service reforms and building public trust in government.”

“Being here at your flag-raising ceremony is not just a gesture of respect between our agencies; it is a strong statement of unity,” PGEN. Torre said. He emphasized the PNP’s role in supporting the BOC through intelligence sharing, joint operations, and protecting BOC personnel in the field.

Echoing Comm. Nepomuceno’s call for integrity in public service. “Sa bawat laban ninyo, kaagapay ninyo ang PNP. Hindi lang ito laban ng Customs at hindi lang ito laban ng PNP, laban ito ng buong bayan, and the only way we win is if we stay united, focused, and uncompromising in our values,” he added.

Chief PNP PGEN. Nicolas Torre III, is flanked by Commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno and Deputy Commissioner for Enforcement Nolasco Bathan, during the flag-raising ceremony at the Bureau of Customs. July 14, 2025, and where Torre served as the Guest Speaker (photo credit” BOC-PIAD).

For his part, Comm. Nepomuceno reminded the crowd of President Marcos’ instruction for him to pursue reforms in the agency for a more transparent, accountable, and efficient government.

He also warned the audience not to ‘second guess’ what the Chief Executive wants and what he wants to implement in adherence to his marching orders.

“Inutusan ako ni Pangulong Bongbong kung ano ang dapat gawin dito, pagbutihin natin, and his intention to pursue good governance, especially for the Bureau.

“Let us not second guess his intention, therefore, don’t second guess my programs. What I’m doing on day one will be the same things I will pursue until I leave the Bureau.”

Also present at the ceremony were other key officials from law enforcement and allied agencies, including Director Brigadier General Romeo Macapaz of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group, Regional Director PBGen Jean Salvador Fajardo of the PNP, Assistant Director Noel Bocaling of the National Bureau of Investigation, and Atty. Magtanggol Gatdula of the Quezon City Police District, reflecting the broad inter-agency support for the BOC’s reform agenda under Commissioner Nepomuceno.

From the BOC, among those who welcomed the Chief PNP is new Deputy Commissioner for Enforcement Nolasco Bathan, a retired police general, along with Assistant Commissioner and BOC spokesperson Atty. Vincent Maronilla and Deputy Commissioner for Assessment Operations Coordinating Group (AOCG), Agaton Uvero and Chief of Staff to the Commissioner Charlie Bathan.