A Cordilleran Customs officer, who were among those behind the successful apprehension of 276 kilograms of shabu and successful investigation of 355 kgs. of illegal drugs concealed in magnetic lifters, has been honored by the Bureau of Customs recently.
Jeoffrey C. Tacio of Benguet, officer-in-charge of the BOC Intelligence and Investigation Service, was conferred a plaque of commendation during the 118th BOC anniversary for his exemplary performance in the past two years.
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.
While in the BOC, Tacio, a member of the Philippine Military Academy Class of 2000, was among those behind the successful investigation of 355 kgs. of illegal drugs concealed inside two magnetic lifters at the Manila International Container Port.
The two magnetic lifters were connected to the four magnetic lifters discovered in a warehouse in Cavite.
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.
Tacio was likewise acknowledged for leading the investigation on the seizure of 23,015 smuggled sacks of rice in Bengo Wharf, Baliwasan, Zamboanga City in September 2018 which also resulted in the filing of charges against BOC personnel.
He also led a BOC team in collaboration with the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency in the successful seizure of 276 kgs. of shabu mixed with shipment of plastic resin consigned to Wealth Lotus Empire Corp.
Tacio was also part of the BOC team behind the seizure of P13.2 billion worth of smuggled and counterfeit goods since he was appointed to the agency.
He was likewise acknowledged for the successful investigation of 74 complaints filed against erring BOC employees, brokers, and importers.
In 2008, Tacio, who was a Special Forces Regiment Airborne for three years, was absorbed to PDEA where he served in varied capacities from chief of the Intelligence and Operations Division then director of the Special Enforcement Services. He was awarded best field officer of the agency several years ago.
He also served as PDEA regional director of regions 1, 2, 5, and Autonomous Region for Muslim Mindanao, where he was awarded best regional director nationwide twice.
He once served as director of the International Cooperation and Foreign Affairs Service.
The provincial government of La Union likewise conferred him the Diego Silang Award, which is the highest award given to individuals who are not residents of the province but whose efforts have contributed greatly to the progress of La Union and the well-being of its people. – Harley F. Palangchao
April 25, 2024
