Manila: Bureau of Customs (BOC) Commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno has ordered an investigation into the allegations of smuggling activities in the Port of Manila. In a statement, Nepomuceno said that Customs Intelligence and Investigation Service (CIIS) field station chief Paul Oliver Pacunayen has been relieved pending investigation into the allegations.

According to Philippines News Agency, Deputy Commissioner for Intelligence Romy Rosales has been tasked to lead the investigation. Pacunayen was among those mentioned in a letter sent to President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. by concerned officials, employees, and stakeholders of the BOC, which alleged that smuggling activities have returned in ports. CIIS Director Thomas Narcise, a former member of Task Force Aduana, was also mentioned in the letter.

Asked about Narcise's status, Chris Noel Bendijo, Deputy Chief of Staff of the Office of the Commissioner, stated that the authority lies with Marcos, who appointed Narcise to the post. "Dir. Narcise is a presidential appointee. Disciplining authority is with the appointing power," he said in a message.

Meanwhile, Nepomuceno indicated that smuggling has been "reduced," citing improvements in collection. "I actually believe that smuggling has been reduced if we will objectively appreciate the collection improvements compared to last year's performance. Even various business groups have recognized the improvements in BOC in terms of ease of doing business, governance, and the ongoing reforms," he noted.

Nepomuceno emphasized that feedback and complaints are treated seriously to ensure that adequate improvements are being made and sustained. "This is to ensure that we are indeed doing enough improvements and that we shall be able to sustain the momentum of transforming BOC. I promised this to PBBM, and the country is watching," he added.