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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Brawner warns smuggling, trafficking threaten national security

Brawner warns smuggling, trafficking threaten national security

Published May 11, 2026 04:02 pm

At A Glance

  • Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Chief, General Romeo S. Brawner Jr. warned that smuggling, illegal trafficking, and transnational crimes threaten both the economy and national security during a graduation ceremony for the Bureau of Customs' Special Operations Training in Manila.
  • He urged customs police personnel to strengthen enforcement operations and uphold integrity, discipline, and professionalism.
  • The ceremony recognized 29 graduates of the special operations course, which focused on operational readiness, leadership, and responding to emerging security threats.
Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Chief of Staff, General Romeo S. Brawner Jr. (left) awards a graduate during the Customs Police Rapid Intervention Group–Special Operations Training Graduation Ceremony held at the Bureau of Customs grounds in Port Area, Manila on May 11, 2026. (Photo: AFP)
Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Chief of Staff, General Romeo S. Brawner Jr. (left) awards a graduate during the Customs Police Rapid Intervention Group–Special Operations Training Graduation Ceremony held at the Bureau of Customs grounds in Port Area, Manila on May 11, 2026. (Photo: AFP)
Armed Forces of the Philippines Chief of Staff, Gen. Romeo S. Brawner Jr. on Monday, May 11, warned that smuggling, illegal trafficking, and transnational crimes now pose threats not only to the economy but also to national security as he called on customs police personnel to strengthen enforcement operations.
Speaking during the Special Operations Training Graduation Ceremony at the Bureau of Customs (BOC) grounds in Port Area, Manila, Brawner said criminal activities continue to evolve and demand stronger coordination among security forces.
“Our nation is facing evolving security challenges. Issues such as smuggling, illegal trafficking, transnational crimes, and other threats undermine not only economic stability but also public safety and national security. Your work may not always be visible to the public, but it is vital,” Brawner told members of the Customs Police Rapid Intervention Group.
The ceremony marked the completion of the special operations course by 29 trainees composed of one officer and 28 non-commissioned officers. The training focused on operational capability, discipline, leadership, and readiness against emerging security threats.
Police Brig. Gen. Nolasco K. Bathan, retired deputy commissioner of the BOC Enforcement Group, formally confirmed the graduates of the course.
The national government continues to tighten border enforcement amid concerns over the entry of illegal goods, narcotics, and other contraband through the country’s ports.
The BOC has been under pressure to intensify anti-smuggling operations in recent years as authorities linked illicit trade to revenue losses and the movement of organized crime groups operating across borders.
Brawner reminded the graduates that enforcement work demands integrity and professionalism.
“Our nation is facing evolving security challenges,” he said before urging the trainees to uphold “integrity, discipline, and professionalism” in carrying out their duties.
During the ceremony, Customs Commissioner Ariel F. Nepomuceno presented a plaque of appreciation to Brawner in recognition of the military’s support for the training program.

Related Tags

AFP Bureau of Customs trafficking smuggling
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