The Bureau of Customs (BOC) highlighted the need to modernize existing operations and strengthen collaborations with offshore agency partners to combat the growing threats and sophisticated methods of transnational crimes.
In a statement over the weekend, the BOC said that proposed initiatives during a courtesy visit from members of the New Zealand High Commission include implementing a data-sharing platform and drafting a bilateral agreement between the New Zealand and Philippine governments to improve investigative and intelligence-gathering capabilities.
Transnational organized crimes encompass a wide range of illegal activities such as the smuggling of illicit drugs, tobacco, and agricultural products, intellectual property theft and trafficking in persons. These activities pose a significant threat to national security and economic competitiveness.
The BOC said that both agencies aim to establish a proactive relationship to intensify border protection and boost lawful revenue collection.
Customs deputy commissioner Juvymax Uy and acting director Verne Enciso represented the BOC during the meeting.
Representatives from the New Zealand government, including customs liaison officer Grant Carr, police liaison officer detective inspector Paul Borrell and irregular migration liaison officer Craig Johnston, on the other hand extended an invitation to the BOC to join the Transnational Organized Crime Training and Capacity Building Program on May 22 to June 2 in Semarang, Indonesia.
