The Cordilleran-led Customs Intelligence and Investigation Service of the Bureau of Customs was awarded during the 120th founding anniversary celebration of the agency recently for its exemplary performance in border protection-related operations.
BOC-CIIS Director Jeoffrey Tacio, who traces his roots to Atok and La Trinidad, Benguet, received the award on behalf of the department, as he vowed that his office will sustain BOC’s border protection mandate.
BOC said Tacio’s leadership has led to the successful execution of the strengthened anti-smuggling and anti-corruption operations of the BOC which resulted in the seizure of P28.4 billion worth of imported goods and contraband items.
The series of operation also led to the filing of more than 100 criminal cases against those involved in smuggling, including the filing of 63 administrative charges against BOC employees, brokers, and importers.
The CIIS was also cited for multiple apprehensions of smuggled goods such as vegetables, prohibited commodities, and other contraband items for 2021.
Last year, Tacio’s office, along with the Enforcement and Security Service, X-Ray Inspection Project, Customs Anti-Illegal Drugs Task Force, and the Environment Protection and Compliance Division greatly contributed in the anti-smuggling efforts of the government for 2020.
An accomplished former anti-narcotics operative turned director, Tacio was appointed by President Rodrigo Duterte to the BOC as Imports Assessment Service director in 2018. He is a member of the Philippine Military Academy Class of 2000.
In previous years, he was part of the team behind the investigation of 355 kilograms of illegal drugs concealed inside two magnetic lifters found at the Manila International Container Port.
He also led in the investigation of the illegal release of 169 containers at the Mindanao Container Terminal in Misamis Oriental resulting in the filing of charges against BOC personnel and private individuals. – Harley F. Palangchao
April 18, 2024
