BOC staff in bribery sacked

THE Bureau of Customs (BOC) – Port of Davao has relieved an employee from his duties last Friday, June 23, for his involvement in an alleged anomalous transaction caught on camera that has gone viral last Wednesday, June 21.

An amateur video showing a BOC – Port of Davao Port Operations Division male personnel allegedly collecting P1,500 bribe from a foreign seaman was posted on social media earlier this week.

Lawyer Erastus Sandino B. Austria, District Collector of the Port of Davao, posted on his Facebook page his sentiments and action done on the alleged anomaly committed by one of his personnel.

"Upon learning of the existence of this video, I, the newly appointed District Collector of Collection District Davao immediately summoned the person concerned," Austria said.

Austria also said they included the immediate supervisor of the personnel to explain and clarify the matter. Both have likewise been instructed to submit a written explanation yesterday.

A fact-finding committee, composed of the Chief of the Administration Division, Chief of the CIIS (Customs Intelligence) and District Commander of ESS-CPD (Customs Police), was also formed to ascertain the content in the video and has to submit a written report on Monday.

Austria said he already issued a memorandum requesting the Director of the Customs Intelligence & Investigation Services (CIIS) to order the Investigation Division to conduct an impartial investigation on the matter.