The 29-member Customs Police Rapid Intervention Group (CPRIG) of the Bureau of Customs (BOC) recently completed its four-month Special Operations Training (SOT) under the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) to strengthen the agency’s operational readiness and capabilities.
At the graduating ceremony of the participants, AFP Chief of Staff General Romeo Brawner Jr. expressed that the military fully supports the BOC’s intensified anti-smuggling and border protection efforts. Brawner added that Customs frontlines play a critical role in protecting the country against security threats, including smuggling, illegal trafficking, and transnational crimes.
“Our nation is facing evolving security challenges. Issues such as smuggling, illegal trafficking, transnational crimes, and other threats undermine not only economic stability, but also public safety and national security. Every threat intercepted, every successful operation, and every crime prevented contributes to the stability and security of our nation. We wear this uniform to serve our fellow countrymen with honor, discipline, and integrity,” Brawner said.
Brawner also commended the trainers from the AFP Special Forces Regiment and other partner units, as well as emphasized the importance of continuous inter-agency cooperation, integrity, discipline, and accountability in maintaining secure borders.
Meanwhile, BOC Commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno expressed his gratitude to General Brawner and the AFP for its support to the agency’s intensified fight against smuggling and other transnational crimes. “Through strong inter-agency cooperation, intelligence sharing, and operational coordination, we are strengthening our collective ability to protect the country’s borders, safeguard legitimate trade, and ensure the safety and security of the Filipino people.”