Guerrero: No militarization at BOC, Customs personnel will still be in control of ops

There will be no militarization at the Bureau of Customs (BOC) despite President Rodrigo Duterte's remark that servicemen would take over the operations in the agency, newly-appointed Commissioner Rey Leonardo Guerrero said on Wednesday.

Guerrero clarified to reporters that BOC personnel would still be responsible for the operations of the agency.

"As I've explained, 'yung directive ni President to have military people, personnel from the AFP (Armed Forces of the Philippines) to assist the Customs is not a militarization process but clearly, the officers of the Bureau of Customs will still be in control of the operations and activities of the bureau," Guerrero said.

Asked by the media if there are guidelines on soldiers "assisting" BOC officials, Guerrero said he would still have to meet with some officials to discuss the issue and assess the situation.

"This afternoon we will be meeting with the Secretary of Finance and other secretaries to discuss 'yung transition process," Guerrero, former Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) administrator, said.

"We will have to assess the situation to decide accordingly. Clearly the President said that he has not give an illegal order so when he gives us instructions, it is understood that we are mandated to operationalize his instructions within the bounds of law," he added.

Due to controversies plaguing the agency, Duterte said he has decided to let the military take over the operations of the BOC, adding that the employees of the agency will be put under floating status.

The Chief Executive was forced to do this given the "dirty games" being played at the BOC, noting that corrupt officials hide behind procedural requirements to keep from being rooted out.

But, Presidential spokesman Salvador Panelo clarified that government troops would not hold any designations at the BOC, saying that soldiers will only be guarding BOC personnel to ensure that all operations are in order and laws are strictly followed. — MDM, GMA News