Support not militarization, Guerrero says of AFP role at BOC
The Bureau of Customs (BOC) will not be taken over by the military, new Customs Commissioner Rey Guerrero assured as he assumed office Wednesday.
“Let us correct the impression that there would be a militarization of the BOC. There will be personnel from the AFP that would support the BOC but that does not mean that the
BOC would be taken over by the military because clearly I'm a civilian and I am the head of the agency,” Guerrero, the former head of the Maritime Industry Authority (Marina) clarified.
“This is not a militarization process because clearly the officers of Bureau of Customs will still be in control of operations and activities of the bureau,” he added.
Although President Duterte, in his exasperation, ordered the military to take control over the Customs bureau to stop the lingering corruption in the agency, Guerrero said plans have to be finalized first.
He said he needs to follow up initial discussions with Defense officials and finalize deployment plans for uniformed personnel to the bureau.
“The President has previously given his guidance and it is now up to me to implement or operationalize the instructions. For now everything will have to be assessed. I have to look into the situation here in the bureau for me to find out the appropriate actions,” Guerrero told reporters after the change of command ceremony Wednesday.
Guerrero took his oath as new Customs Commissioner before President Duterte Tuesday in Davao City. Former Customs chief Isidro Lapeña, meanwhile was sworn to office as new Director General of the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) by the President in simple ceremonies in Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu Tuesday
Duterte instructed Guerrero to “double the zealousness” in ridding the agency of corruption.
He, however, noted that Guerrero's role as Customs commissioner will be a “challenge” given the history of corruption in the agency.
Systemic weaknesses As he assumed office, Guerrero urged the rank and file to trust him in carrying out reforms, particularly on the fight against corruption.
“I need to be able to trust every single member of the BOC to be honest and upright and each of you needs to trust me in my commitment and capacity to lead with integrity. Trust works both ways,” he said.
He hinted of plans to impose anticorruption measures that are both decisive and unrelenting.
“As I take the helm of the Bureau of Customs, expect that the effort against corruption can be both decisive and unrelenting as I focus on addressing systemic weaknesses, implementing internal safeguards, enhancing integrity system, and building the capabilities and capacities of our workforce,” he said.
Welcomed with an 111-billion drug mess, Guerrero said he aims to improve the counterintelligence of the bureau, which have been identified as among the lapses why the four magnetic lifters reported to contain shabu slipped from the bureau’s watch.
“Definitely, that (counterintelligence) is part of it (improvements). That is part of effective command and control that we are saying. Better intelligence for better awareness of what's happening in the agency and areas of interest,” Guerrero said.
But Guerrero, the former AFP Chief, was mum on the anti-drug smuggling measures he will implement in the bureau.
“I have concepts in mind. For now, I keep it to myself. Mahirap sabihin ano gagawin ko (It’s not good to telegraph my moves. That will defeat the purpose of having a plan.) Kapag nalaman kung ano gagawin ko, e di nalaman na kung sino mang interesado (When they learn about my plans then those who have interests will also know about it),” Guerrero said.
Lapeña’s request
At the turnover ceremony, Lapeña hoped that Guerrero uncover more incidents and identify persons involved in the illegal release of shipments under various schemes.
He also requested that Guerrero continue the work he started with regards to incentive reward for all customs employees. Lapeña worked that each employee be given at least 11-million bonus if they hit the annual collection target and gain a 120-billion surplus.
“I will leave the Bureau of Customs, knowing that I have done the right things, the right way. There may have been lapses in the systems and operations but I have come to know many dedicated honest men and women of the Bureau of Customs,” said Lapeña. (With a report from Argyll Cyrus B. Geducos)