A BUREAU of Customs–Port of Davao employee was relieved his duties Friday, June 23, for allegedly bribery from a foreign seaman that was caught on camera.
An amateur video showing a customs operations division employee allegedly collecting P1,500 bribe from a foreign seaman was posted on social media and gone viral Wednesday, June 21.
Lawyer Erastus Sandino 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 Friday.
A fact-finding committee, composed of the Chief of the Administration Division, Chief of the CIIS (Customs Intelligence & Investigation Services) and District Commander of ESS-CPD (Customs Police District), was also formed to ascertain the content in the video and to submit a written report by Monday.
Austria said he already issued a memorandum requesting the Director of the CIIS to order the Investigation Division to conduct an impartial investigation on the matter.
He added that the suspected personnel found in the video is relieved from his current position and will keep the identity of the suspect private until the investigation is concluded.
"We take pride in our service to make the Port of Davao the model district and port (and) to honor the fact that part of our area of responsibility includes the hometown of the President," Austria said.
Austria assured the public that he will not tolerate corruption and that strict adherence to government ethical standards will be followed by the port.