NBI probing death of BOC deputy chief Lachica

MANILA, Philippines – Bureau of Customs (BOC) Commissioner Nicanor Faeldon said Friday, November 18, that the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) is looking into the death of Arturo Lachica, Deputy Commissioner for its Internal Administration Group.

“I am optimistic that the truth, as well as the perpetrators of this heinous crime, will soon be exposed,” Faeldon said.

Faeldon said the BOC and the authorities are puzzled about the motive behind the killing.

“I have instructed both our intelligence and enforcement units to assist and provide open and full support to investigating agencies,” Faeldon added.

Lachica was shot on his way home on Thursday evening, sustaining multiple gunshot wounds to the chest. He was declared dead-on-arrival at the United Doctors Medical Center.

Lachica’s bodyguard, named as Romulo Delima, was wounded in the ambush. He said the suspect fled on foot after the shooting.

Faeldon explained that hours before Lachica’s death, the two were in a conference for 4 hours. 

The BOC chief also said it was only normal for officials like them – considering the nature of their jobs – to receive threats, assuming Lachica received threats. 

Lachica is a lawyer and certified public accountant who has been with the Bureau for two years. He has been a member of the Career Executive Service Board (CESB) since 2006, before being detailed to the BOC as Deputy Commissioner for the Internal Administration Group (IAG) in July 2014. 

Appointed by the Aquino administration, Lachica handled the legal matters of the BOC and was in charge of the employment and dismissal of personnel based on their merits.

Lachica – who would have turned 59 this month – is survived by his wife and two children.

Faeldon also instructed for the Philippine flag at the BOC to be flown at half-mast as a sign of respect for Lachica. – Rappler.com