The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Bureau of Customs (BOC) have strengthened their partnership to enhance national security and border protection through a newly signed Memorandum of Understanding (MOU).
AFP Chief of Staff General Romeo S. Brawner Jr. and BOC Commissioner Ariel F. Nepomuceno led the signing ceremony held on July 15.
The agreement establishes a formal framework for closer coordination, information sharing, capacity building, and operational support between the two agencies to address smuggling, illicit trade, and other transnational threats that may affect the country’s security.
Under the MOU, the BOC will remain the lead agency responsible for customs enforcement, while the AFP will provide authorized intelligence, security, and operational support in accordance with existing laws and its constitutional mandate.
The AFP and BOC will also establish a Joint Coordination Committee to serve as the primary policy and oversight body responsible for implementing the agreement.
Both agencies said the partnership reflects their shared commitment to strengthening border protection, improving inter-agency cooperation, and safeguarding national security.