BOC implements revamp to streamline operations

Manila, Philippines - A major revamp in the Bureau of Customs (BOC) is underway to streamline operations and avoid overlapping of functions.

Customs Commissioner Angelito Alvarez said the revamp started at the Mindanao Container Terminal (MCT) in Misamis Oriental where cars and motorcycles have been smuggled.

Alvarez named lawyer Emelito Aquino as the new acting collector in place of collector-on-leave Lowell Medija.

Quinciano Pavadora Jr. is the new deputy collector for assessment.

Other ranking officials appointed at the MCT are deputy collector for administration and port operation (Noe Espenilla Jr. from Clark Airport); cargo control chief (Rene Buan from the Port of Cagayan de Oro); assessment division chief (Hernando Mendoza from Port of Davao) and export division chief (Bellarmine Valencia from Cagayan de Oro).

The changes would be implemented once approved by Finance Secretary Cesar Purisima.

Last April, two other ports also underwent leadership change with the assignment of Ed Magdaraog as district collector of Davao Port in lieu of Anju Castigador who was transferred to Cagayan de Oro.

Alvarez also implemented changes in Manila’s customs zones.

The personnel movement included the designation of Special Police Chief Jose Brigido Yuchongco as acting chief of Intelligence Division; Fernandino Tuazon as chief of the newly created Investigation Division and Emmanuel Gotladera as assistant chief of the same division, Alvarez also said.

Lawyer Priscilla Bauzon, former deputy collector for assessment of the Port of Manila was transferred to the Manila International Container Port (MICP), holding the same position.

Another reassignment involved Rogelio Villagracia, formerly chief of MICP’s Formal Entry Division who has been assigned as the new deputy collector for assessment of the Port of Manila.

More changes would take place in the coming days in keeping with the BOC’s rationalization plan, Alvarez said. – Iris Gonzales, Evelyn Macairan