Customs inks accord with 30 agencies for border security, management

The Bureau of Customs (BOC) said Wednesday it has entered into an accord with 30 government bodies for joint cooperation concerning the advancement of border security and management.

The BOC said the memorandum of understanding was entered into on October 20, 2020 through a virtual meeting.

Under the MOU, the participating agencies “aim to establish a comprehensive and systematic mechanism in information sharing and strengthening border control capabilities.”

The accord also aims to “create a harmonious working arrangement between all parties involved and strengthen inter-agency coordination and cooperation in the utilization of data and information resources.”

The participating departments with their respective agencies were the following:

• Department of Finance - BOC, Bureau of Internal Revenue, Securities and Exchange Commission
• Department of Agriculture - Bureau of Animal Industries, Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, Bureau of Plant Industries, National Meat Inspection Service, National Food Authority, National Tobacco Administration, Sugar Regulatory Administration
• Department of Trade and Industry - Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines, Philippine Economic Zone Authority, Fair Trade Enforcement Bureau, Bureau of Import Services, Strategic Trade Management Office, Bureau of Philippine Standards
• Department Environment and Natural resources - Environmental Management Bureau, Mines and Geosciences Bureau, Biodiversity Management Bureau
• Department of Health - Bureau of Quarantine, Food and Drug Administration
• Department of the Interior and Local Government - Philippine National Police
• Department of Justice - National Bureau of Investigation, Bureau of Immigration
• Department of Science and Technology - Philippine Nuclear Research Institute
• Department of Labor and Employment - Professional Regulations Commission
• Department of Transportation - Philippine Coast Guard
• Department of Information and Communications Technology - National Telecommunications Commission
• Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas - Anti-Money Laundering Council
• Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency

BOC Commissioner Rey Leonardo Guerrero said that the interaction between and among the agencies has been ongoing for some time now.

“Through the MOU, we are strengthening the alliance to cast a bigger net, and bring about more decisive action against illegal activities,” Guerrero said. — Ted Cordero/BM, GMA News