DOJ chief orders NBI to probe corruption at BOC

MANILA, Philippines — Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra  said on Saturday that he would order the National Bureau of Investigation to conduct an investigation and case buildup on the alleged graft and corrupt practices at the Bureau of Customs (BOC).

Corruption at BOC was one of the subjects of President Rodrigo Duterte’s State of the Nation Address last Monday.

The President called the agency “corruption-ridden” and mentioned that 63 customs employees were facing criminal charges and another 61 were under investigation.

Abolish positions

He even asked Congress to consider abolishing their positions at the bureau if possible, or just have them do paperwork.

In his directive, Guevarra ordered NBI director Dante Gierran to file, if evidence warrants, appropriate charges against persons who are found liable.

Gierran was also directed to submit reports on the progress of the investigation.

The justice secretary also issued an order on Friday directing the NBI to conduct an investigation and case buildup on the killing of human rights lawyer Anthony Trinidad in Guihulngan, Negros Oriental last July 23.

Trinidad was ambushed by motorcycle-riding gunmen.