BOC commits to bolster intelligence, enforcement networks in Asia Pacific
The Bureau of Customs (BOC) has committed to support the Regional Intelligence Liaison Offices (RILO) in order to strengthen the collection and exchange of information within the Asia Pacific region.
In a statement, Customs Commissioner Bienvenido Y. Rubio highlighted the positive outcomes achieved in the BOC's anti-smuggling efforts through its cooperation with RILO.
For this reason, Rubio affirmed his commitment to back RILO's initiatives in the Asia Pacific region.
Accompanied by Customs Deputy Commissioners Juvymax R. Uy, Teddy S. Raval, and other senior officials, Rubio led the Philippine delegation in the opening ceremony of the World Customs Organization RILO for Asia and the Pacific in Tokyo.
RILO was established with the objective of creating a Global Intelligence Network to bolster operational capabilities.
It provides members with timely and precise intelligence support through an extensive network and database, thereby enhancing the effectiveness of intelligence and enforcement operations.
The three-day meeting brings together officials from different countries in Asia Pacific.
During the event, Rubio met with the Director General of the Japan Customs Tariff Bureau and took part in a discussion about the future expectations for RILOs as WCO regional bodies.
In this discussion, he talked about how working with RILO A/P has helped them achieve good results in the BOC's anti-smuggling efforts.
RILO Asia Pacific aims to become a Fusion Center and central repository for customs-related activities, operations, and intelligence.
This will help member states work together more effectively. The shared database will make it easier for the Fusion Center to process, analyze, and assess data, which will lead to better evaluations.
Ultimately, RILO A/P plans to increase collaboration through joint operations based on useful intelligence information. It also intends to start holding regular summits and meetings among its members.