Duterte orders ‘freezing’ of Customs execs, workers

Bureau of Customs (File photo from Philippine Daily Inquirer)

MANILA, Philippines — President Rodrigo Duterte has ordered the “freezing” of several high-ranking officials and employees of the Bureau of Customs (BOC) over allegations of corruption.

In a statement issued Wednesday night, presidential spokesman Salvador Panelo said the names of the involved BOC officials and employees would be disclosed “at the appropriate time, as they face administrative and criminal charges, for unlawful activities.”

“The President’s latest action underscores this administration’s zero-tolerance for corruption among erring officials,” Panelo said.

“The anti-corruption campaign is continuing as it is relentless. No one will be spared,” he added.

Last week, the President warned that he would fire several BOC officials over accusations of corruption.

But in a recent Palace briefing, Panelo clarified that BOC chief Rey Leonardo Guerrero still enjoyed the trust and confidence of the President.

In 2018, Duterte fired commissioners and department heads of the Bureau of Customs as the agency was rocked with drug smuggling scandal.

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