Customs chief told: Fight smuggling, boost border protection

President Marcos has directed newly appointed Customs Commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno to intensify border protection and strengthen the country's fight versus smuggling.

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Nepomuceno officially took the helm of the Bureau of Customs (BOC) on Monday. He succeeded Bienvenido Rubio, who was appointed by Marcos to the position in 2023.

"The marching order (of the President), first of all, is to protect, strengthen border protection and fight smuggling... to fight smuggling more vigorously," Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary Claire Castro told reporters yesterday.

Castro also disclosed that aside from Rubio, five more BOC officials and personnel, including deputy commissioners and directors and collectors, have been removed. She did not name the other BOC employees fired.

Asked why Rubio was replaced, Castro said the President wants to provide better service to the public.

"The President only wants to be loyal to the country, fight smuggling and of course, be transparent in the collection of revenues," Castro said.