The Bureau of Customs and the US Embassy-Manila are exploring potential areas of cooperation to intensify border control and strengthen the relationship between the two agencies.
Last May 18, the Customs bureau and the US Embassy-Manila Special Operations Command Pacific INDOPACOM Augmentation and Philippines Information Team convened for a consultative meeting.
“Officials from both agencies discussed various topics, including cooperation opportunities in law enforcement, maritime operations, investigations, capacity building, and advanced technology implementation,” Customs said in a statement.
“Additionally, the meeting addressed the provision of technical expertise and skills building that the US Embassy intends to extend to the BOC Enforcement and Security Service (BOC-ESS),” the agency added.
Representing the Customs were Commissioner Bienvenido Rubio, Deputy Commissioner Teddy Raval, division chiefs, heads of ESS, the Financial Management Office, the External Affairs Office, and the Interim Training Development Division.
From the US Embassy, Jason Perez, officer-in-charge of Special Operations Command Pacific, and Patrick Braun, Chief of the Information Support Team, attended the meeting.
Rubio said the consultative meeting represents a significant step forward in establishing a strong collaboration between the bureau and the Embassy of the United States of America.
He said both parties are committed to leveraging their collective expertise and resources to ensure more robust customs operations and safeguard national security.
"The establishment of a strong collaboration between the BOC and the US Embassy will undoubtedly enhance the capabilities and technical know-how of BOC personnel. This will create opportunities to intensify border protection and combat smuggling further," Rubio said.
The Customs has consistently pursued initiatives to strengthen its relationships with partner agencies and pave the way for enhanced customs response.
By collaborating with the US Embassy, the bureau aims to achieve excellence in securing and protecting customs authority across the border.