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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Palace calls for accountability over alleged abuses in HPG-BOC confrontation

Palace calls for accountability over alleged abuses in HPG-BOC confrontation

Published Aug 25, 2026 02:45 pm
Palace Press Officer and Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro holds a Palace briefing on Aug. 25, 2026. (Betheena Unite)
Palace Press Officer and Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro holds a Palace briefing on Aug. 25, 2026. (Betheena Unite)
If there were any abuse or wrongdoing in the uncoordinated raid that led to a confrontation between Bureau of Customs (BOC) agents and Philippine National Police-Highway Patrol Group (PNP-HPG), those involved should face consequences, Malacañang said.
Palace Press Officer and Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro said those who will be found responsible in any alleged abuse or wrongdoing in the incident must be held accountable.
Castro said the PNP is looking into the overlapping operations to determine if there was abuse.
"Nakausap po natin mismo si General Nartatez at iyan po ang isa sa kanilang tinitingnan dahil kung mayroon mang pang-aabuso nga po diumano, kung mayroon man ay kinakailangan silang managot (We spoke directly with PNP chief General Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr., and that is one of the matters they are looking into. If there are indeed any alleged abuses, those responsible must be held accountable)," Castro said in a Palace briefing on Tuesday, Aug. 25.
"So, hindi po hahayaan na ang mga tao na involved kung mayroon man silang kasalanan ay hindi mananagot. So, kailangan silang managot, kung dapat na matanggal sa posisyon ay dapat gawin (So, we will not allow those involved, if they are found to have committed any wrongdoing, to escape accountability. They must be held responsible, and if they should be removed from their positions, then that should be done)," Castro added.
According to Castro, the PNP has already conducted an initial investigation, and the HPG personnel who were allegedly involved have been relieved from their posts while the investigation continues.
She added that the two agencies "will not allow any undesirable personnel to remain within their respective ranks."
"So, if they are found to have committed any wrongdoing or if abuse did occur, they should be held accountable for their actions," Castro said in Filipino.
The confrontation between the BOC and HPG personnel happened last week when HPG operatives swooped down on the Bulacan warehouse and frisked uniformed Customs personnel, who were then conducting a legitimate cigarette incineration operation.

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HPG BOC Claire Castro Bulacan
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