By Lane Afable, News Editor
Commissioner Ariel F. Nepomuceno announced key reform milestones and the continuing transformation of the Bureau of Customs’ (BOC) Enforcement and Security Service (ESS) the other day.
In a message during ESS 38th Founding Anniversary, Commissioner Nepomuceno commended the unit, under the guidance of Deputy Commissioner PBGen Nolasco K. Bathan (Ret) and outgoing Director Isabelo A. Tibayan III, for its dedicated, courageous, and high-risk service in support of the Bureau’s enforcement mandate.
He emphasized that the sacrifices of ESS personnel—marked by long hours, operational risks, and relentless pursuit of smugglers—continue to drive the Bureau’s recent enforcement gains.
These accomplishments include significant interceptions involving illegal drugs, illicit cigarettes, and smuggled agricultural products, reflecting the unit’s critical contribution to safeguarding national security and economic stability.
In recognition of these efforts, the Commissioner also underscored the need to further strengthen institutional support for ESS personnel. As part of this, he has directed the Deputy Commissioner for the Internal Administration Group (IAG) and the Deputy Commissioner for the Enforcement Group (EG) to jointly study measures to enhance the career development and professional growth of ESS officers.
“Last year, when we were gripped by a very dark cloud during the investigations into the alleged flood control anomalies, it was the ESS that took the lead in serving the Letters of Authority that I signed and in taking the risk of going after a very influential group. Sabi nga in our local language, buwis-buhay ang ating trabaho, and your efforts have not gone unnoticed,” the Commissioner recalled.
The anniversary celebration served as an occasion to honor the exemplary service and long-standing contributions of ESS personnel who have strengthened the Bureau’s enforcement efforts through the years. Among those recognized was ESS Director Tibayan who has served the Bureau for 39 years.
Tibayan, an outgoing Director expressed gratitude for his years of service and the continued strength and unity of the ESS, noting his roots in the National Customs Police and the unit’s steadfast commitment to protecting the nation’s borders with integrity and discipline.
“The BOC’s Enforcement unit’s accomplishments are demonstrated not just in words but in measurable enforcement outcomes,” he said.
By end-March 2026, the ESS recorded ₱2.518 billion in dangerous drug seizures across 214 operations—following a strong 2025 performance with over ₱5 billion in seizures and 794 intercepted shipments worth more than ₱699 million.
The program concluded with a renewed commitment to strengthen the ESS through modernization, capability enhancement, and sustained operational excellence, underscoring the unit’s proud legacy, dedicated service, and continuing role as a cornerstone of the Bureau’s transformation anchored in the Integrity, Accountability, and Modernization program of the BOC.
