The Bureau of Customs (BOC) has tightened security over confiscated illicit cigarettes after reports of attempted theft, with Commissioner Ariel F. Nepomuceno warning that any personnel involved in pilferage or unauthorized removal would face immediate dismissal and criminal prosecution.
In a memorandum dated Aug. 3, Nepomuceno ordered all district commanders of the Enforcement and Security Service and chiefs of the Auction and Cargo Disposal Division to strengthen security and monitoring protocols for seized cigarettes under government custody.
The directive comes as the bureau seeks to safeguard evidence used in smuggling cases and protect billions of pesos in potential government revenues tied to customs enforcement.
Under the order, customs offices must tighten controls over storage facilities, strictly regulate and document access to confiscated goods, and immediately report any suspicious activity, attempted breach, inventory discrepancy, or loss to the Office of the Commissioner.
Nepomuceno also barred the transfer, relocation, or disposal of seized illicit cigarettes without his prior written approval, warning that violations would trigger the bureau’s One-Strike Policy under OCOM Memorandum No. 87-2026.
“Ang bawat nakumpiskang iligal na sigarilyo ay bunga ng masusing operasyon ng Bureau of Customs laban sa smuggling at nagsisilbing mahalagang ebidensya ng ating patuloy na kampanya upang maprotektahan ang kita ng pamahalaan at ang publiko,” Nepomuceno said.
“Hindi natin pahihintulutan ang anumang pagtatangka na nakawin, ilihis, o ilagay sa panganib ang mga ito habang nasa kustodiya ng pamahalaan.”
He said any official or employee found to have participated in, facilitated, tolerated, or enabled the theft of confiscated cigarettes would be immediately relieved from service and face administrative, civil, and criminal charges. The order also applies the principle of command responsibility, making supervisors accountable for lapses in their units.
To reinforce safeguards, Nepomuceno directed the Internal Administration Group, together with the Enforcement Group, Assessment and Operations Coordinating Group, and Intelligence Group, to submit within five days recommendations on additional personnel, equipment, logistics, and monitoring systems needed to secure seized cigarettes in ports nationwide.
The directive underscores the bureau’s broader push to tighten internal controls as it intensifies its anti-smuggling campaign. Beyond intercepting illicit goods, customs authorities are increasingly focused on preserving the integrity of seized evidence, recognizing that weak custody procedures can undermine prosecutions and erode public confidence in enforcement efforts.
