The Bureau of Customs (BOC) has authorized its Intelligence Group (IG) to witness spot checks and non-intrusive examinations conducted on all consolidated cargoes and shipments tagged as “red” by its selectivity system.
Customs commissioner Alberto Lina, in Customs Memorandum Order (CMO) No. 38-2015, said the authorization of IG is “to further strengthen the anti-smuggling efforts of the Bureau and for an effective border control against the entry of illegal and illicit goods into the country.”
All officers-in-charge (OIC) and Customs Intelligence and Investigation Service (CIIS) officials are directed to coordinate with the x-ray field offices in their respective areas for the conduct of the x-ray examination and for copies of the printed images of all containers scanned.
The OIC-CIIS will designate from its personnel complement a point person/s to witness the spot check or x-ray examination of tagged shipments. The assignment of point persons will be done on rotation and weekly basis to prevent any familiarization with personnel in the workplace.
IG is tasked to gather intelligence information related to Customs and economic activities and to conduct internal inquiry and investigation. BOC’s IG was formerly part of one group together with the Enforcement Group until they were split up in 2009. – Roumina Pablo
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