BOC chief says ambush of deputy an ‘isolated incident’

The Bureau of Customs (BOC) is considering the ambush of deputy commissioner Arturo Lachica an “isolated incident” as the agency’s chief declined to speculate on the motives behind the murder.

READ: Customs deputy commissioner Lachica killed in Manila ambush

BOC commissioner Nicanor Faeldon said they are leaving it to the investigators to find out the reasons for the attack on his colleague.

“I don’t want to speculate, we can speculate on a thousand reasons, but let’s leave it to investigators,” the BOC chief said when repeatedly asked about the motive behind Lachica’s murder.

In a press conference on Friday, Faeldon said he has ordered ports all over the country to lower the flags at half-mast as a sign of mourning for Lachica.

The BOC commissioner condemned the ambush as he ordered the agency to cooperate with investigators to shed light on the possible motives behind the murder.

“I have instructed both our intelligence and enforcement units to assist and provide open and full support to investigating agencies,” he said.

This includes giving access to surveillance footage from the time that the victim left his office at the BOC, he said.

“I am optimistic that the truth, as well as the perpetrators of this heinous crime, will soon be exposed,” said Faeldon.

He added that the Lachica murder was an “isolated incident” and that he was not aware of any threats against Lachica.

“He has not mentioned anything to me about any threat. Yesterday, we had a conference and we were together for four hours. He was very active in our roadmap discussions,” the BOC chief said.

Asked if Lachica’s murder will send a chilling effect to other employees, Faeldon said: “I really see this as an isolated case. I don’t want to work on that premise, that will not help the country at all.”

“In all my functions that I cannot do, he is the one I delegate it to. He has been very effective in his job,” Faeldon said of his relationship with his slain deputy. RAM