The Bureau of Customs (BOC) is enhancing its security measures inside its premises starting May 27 and enjoins the public’s cooperation by presenting their identification upon request during random checks.
The move is in keeping with the government policy to ensure safety and security in the workplace, Customs commissioner Rey Leonardo Guerrero said in a memo dated and signed on May 21.
“BOC stakeholders should expect security forces to conduct random checks and inspection,” the memo noted.
These security forces are from BOC and Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), Guerrero, in a text message to PortCalls, said.
BOC, PCG, and the Armed Forces of the Philippines in November last year signed a memorandum of agreement for the detail of military and Coast Guard personnel at the customs bureau to help in its anti-corruption and anti-smuggling drive.
One of PCG’s obligations under the MOA is to assist in enforcing the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act and other applicable laws in the maritime jurisdiction of the Philippines.
