Another Customs official resigns amid drug probe
Another official of the Bureau of Customs (BOC) resigned Thursday amid the congressional investigation into the questionable release of a shipment of 604 kilos of shabu worth P6.4 billion from China last May.
In his resignation letter addressed to President Rodrigo Duterte dated August 10, Neil Anthony Estrella, BOC Intelligence and Investigation Service Director said he was quitting his job “out of delicadeza.”
He was hopeful that his resignation “will pave the way for an impartial investigation and lead to substantive reform in the BOC.”
“It is with deep regret -- not least because of the tremendous trust you have reposed in my position and because of the renewed support you have extended our leadership -- that I write to resign as Director of Customs Intelligence and Investigation Service (CIIS) of the Bureau of Customs,” he stated.
“I have realized over the past days that I will no longer be able to fulfill my duties in the manner we both desire. The sensitivity of my office and the methodology it entails have now been compromised by unnecessary publicity,” he added.
Estrella, a former Marine colonel, assured that he has nothing to do with the release of the shabu shipment and has never participated in any effort to cover up such release.
“I would like to assure you that I have never participated, and never would I participate, in any cover up or bungling of an investigation for personal gain. I have acted in good faith in all my actions, the law and love of country my only compass,” he said.
The BOC official added, “The criticisms are quite unfair and even foul. They say this is par for the course. My only balm of relief is that of a clear conscience. For almost 25 years, I have dedicated practically 100% of my time and efforts in the service of our people.”
On Tuesday, BOC Imports Assessment Service Director Milo Maestrecampo also stepped down from his post after being dragged into the controversy.