DAVAO CITY—The Bureau of Customs (BOC) Port of Davao announced its officials held several meetings with regulators and law enforcers on protecting the island’s borders.
A BOC-Port of Davao statement said the meetings began last August with officials of the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) followed by discussions with representatives from the Department of Foreign Affairs and the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) in September.
The BOC-Port of Davao said its officials met with members of the PCG’s Task Force Aduana on strengthening border protection in their shared areas of responsibility. The task force is the PCG’s security and border protection service unit.
District Collector Erastus Sandino B. Austria discussed matters on law enforcement, especially Republic Act 10863 (Customs Modernization and Tariff Act), as well as other existing customs rules and regulations.
The BOC-Port of Davao said the meeting also highlighted information gathering on smuggling of cigarettes, fuel, drugs and other commodities. The meeting also discussed the possible deployment of more floating assets as additional initiative of partner agencies.
During the meeting, the PCG-TFA presented its current accomplishments and border security activities.
Review of deals
IN September, the BOC-Port of Davao said its officials also attended the meeting of the Sub-Committee C of Border Crossing as the preparatory discussion to the 39th PH-ID Border Committee Chairman’s Conference.
The BOC-Port of Davao statement said it was represented by Customs Intelligence and Investigation Service (CIIS) Chief, IO-II Felix A. Espino III and Enforcement Security Service (ESS) District Commander Sp/Lt. Jah T. Atencia.
The subcommittee meeting discussed the following: use of passports instead of border-crossing cards; improved consular access for detained Filipinos; trading opportunities in border areas; the use of non-conventional vessels in the border areas; and, addressing the entry of illegal goods and terrorists through the border areas.
The subcommittee meeting also hatched the agreement to review the 1975 border patrol and border crossing agreements between the Philippines and Indonesia to strengthen forces and modernize efforts in curbing illegal activities, smuggling and terrorism.
Also in September, the BOC-Port of Davao also met with NBI officials on the anti-smuggling measures of the agency’s regional office.
During the meeting, Austria discussed with NBI officials “the importance of information sharing to strengthen border security measures against these types of prohibited commodities that might enter the areas of responsibility of Collection District XII.”
The BOC-Port of Davao said the meeting was attended by NBI XI Regional Director Gelacio D. Bongngat who expressed full support for the BOC’s move against smuggling of cigarettes, guns and other illegal goods.