The Bureau of Customs (BOC) and the US Embassy-Manila Special Operations Command Pacific INDOPACOM Augmentation and Philippines Information Team convened on May 18, 2023, for a consultative meeting. The meeting aimed to explore potential areas of cooperation, intensify border control, and strengthen the relationship between the two agencies.

During the meeting, officials from both agencies discussed various topics, including cooperation opportunities in law enforcement, maritime operations, investigations, capacity building, and advanced technology implementation. 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).

Representing the BOC 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, and Patrick Braun, Chief of the Information Support Team, attended the meeting.

This consultative meeting represents a significant step forward in establishing a strong collaboration between the Bureau of Customs and the Embassy of the United States of America. 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,” said Commissioner Rubio.

The Bureau of 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 BOC aims to achieve excellence in securing and protecting customs authority across the border.#