Tuesday, September 30, 2008 Border protection vs smuggling to be strengthened
THE Bureau of Customs (BOC) and the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) on Monday signed a memorandum of agreement to intensify border protection against smuggling.
At the same time, Customs Commissioner Napoleon Morales and PCG commandant Wilfredo Tamayo created a joint coastal coordination desk (JCCD) to be composed of members of technical working groups from both agencies to formulate rules and regulation, and monitoring of coastal concerns in the ports.
The JCCD is seeking to tap other government agencies whose officials may be designated or deputized to perform anti-smuggling and port operations monitoring activities.
"Parties have agreed and covenanted to jointly establish, constitute and operationalize the nationwide port operations and law enforcement organizational network for a strong Republic," the MOA said.
The bureau will also make the necessary adjustments in its systems to accommodate the provisions of the joint undertaking.
For its part, the Coast Guard will provide personnel and officials to conduct deputization training and assist in the enforcement of Customs laws.
The PCG personnel will be trained on how to determine the genuine shipside permits, among the documents that they need to inspect and define Custom's jurisdiction.
Tamayo said: "The MOA is very timely, as the PCG intensifies marine security to contribute more to the national economy." (FP/Sunnex)
