THE Bureau of Customs (BOC) has confirmed that at least 28 of its employees are now the subject of criminal and administrative charges ranging from corruption to neglect of duty and conduct prejudicial to the best interest of service. Customs Commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno disclosed on Wednesday that the six cases recently endorsed to the Department of Finance (DOF) under the Anti-Agricultural Economic Sabotage Act include customs employees and three consignees for alleged involvement in large-scale agricultural smuggling, reinforcing the agency’s serious and uncompromising stance against smuggling and internal misconduct. According to Nepomuceno, nine customs personnel were named in the draft complaint-affidavits for violation of Section 7 in relation to Section 14 of Republic Act (RA) 12022, or the Anti-Smuggling Act of 2016. The same people are being charged for violating Section 3 of Republic Act 3019, otherwise known as the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act. In addition, 19 personnel are the subjects of administrative cases for neglect of duty and conduct prejudicial to the best interest of the service, arising from the same investigation. According to Nepomuceno, the violations were uncovered following a comprehensive investigation into irregularities in the importation and processing of agricultural shipments at the Port of Subic, including suspected misdeclaration and unlawful facilitation of cargo clearance. In compliance with RA 12022, the BOC has transmitted the draft criminal complaints to the DOF for review and approval before filing the cases with the Department of Justice. Nepomuceno vowed to enforce customs laws without exception. “The BOC is doing everything pursuant to Customs laws and regulations to ensure that justice is served. Errant personnel who violate customs laws will not be tolerated, and all responsible individuals will face full accountability,” he added. “These actions aim not only to punish violations but also to protect Filipino farmers, preserve fair market conditions, and safeguard the integrity of the country’s borders and trade system,” he further said. The move, Nepomuceno stressed, affirms the BOC’s commitment to transparency, institutional integrity, and sustained enforcement against agricultural smuggling, ensuring that no one is spared in the fight against illicit trade.