Bureau of Customs warns against dealing with these 7 fixers

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Bureau of Customs warns against dealing with these 7 fixers
(UPDATED) Richard Rebong 'deplores the reckless manner' of accusing him of being a fixer without a formal investigation and a chance to clear his name

MANILA, Philippines (UPDATED) – Bureau of Customs (BOC) Intelligence Officer V Richard “Ricky” Rebong, DPA, responded to news reports wherein Bureau of Customs Chief Isidro Lapeña have identified him, among others, as “unscrupulous individuals” who “have been duping several bureau stakeholders, claiming they are working under Commissioner Lapeña.”

The BOC on Thursday, February 1, warned people against dealing with 7 individuals allegedly identified as fixers using BOC Commissioner Isidro Lapeña’s name in their transactions.

The fixers take money from importers and brokers to smooth out dealings with officials.

The BOC also published pictures of the 7, listed below:

  • Richard Rebong
  • lawyer Jimmy Patricio,
  • Colonel Edgardo Divina
  • Ronald “Abu” Sanchez
  • Teofilo “Jojo” Bacud
  • Jerome Lapeña
  • a Col. Mapalo

Rebong calls for due process

Of the 7, Rebong wrote the Commissioner and sought to clear his name by denying the accusations against him. Rebong specifically demanded a formal investigation so he could face his accusers and any supposed evidence.

“While I have the highest regard for the Commissioner (Lapeña), I deplore the reckless manner by which his Office has accused and published said baseless accusations against me without the benefit of investigation,” Dr. Rebong said. 

 “I do not even know the Commissioner and I have not had the opportunity to speak to him at all”, he added. 

Rebong has written to Lapeña, denying the allegations as “no importers or brokers would believe that an officer on a floating status could influence or give favor to their businesses.”

Rebong is the only one currently working with the BOC. He previously served the Customs Intelligence and Investigation Service (CIIS) as chief, during the time of former President Benigno Aquino III but has since been transferred to the sub-port of Jolo, Sulu.

Lapeña said the 7 are “not authorized to transact for and in behalf of the Office of the Commissioner or any other offices within the bureau,” and that transactions with them will not be recognized by the BOC.

Sanchez, meanwhile, was previously named in alleged extortion activities.

Lapeña said he would “not ask any favor from anyone to act on his behalf” after he received reports the 7 had been taking advantage of his name to extort from importers and brokers. 

“The CIIS group will conduct further investigation on these incidents to identify the BOC employees they have connections with,” Lapeña added.  – Rappler.com

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