Carrying forward the strategic vision of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. for a stronger and more capable border force, the Bureau of Customs – Enforcement Group (BOC-EG) formally commenced the Customs Police Rapid Intervention Group (CP-RIG) Special Operations Training. The program’s reception rites were held on December 11, 2025, marking the start of a critical initiative to elevate the BOC’s enforcement capabilities.
This intensive, four-month training is meticulously designed to provide customs personnel with rigorous, highly specialized operational skills. The program focuses on advanced techniques necessary to effectively counter complex enforcement-related threats, directly aligning with the BOC’s commitment to reinforce national border protection and safeguard legitimate trade channels.
In his keynote address, Customs Commissioner Ariel F. Nepomuceno stressed the mission’s profound importance and encouraged the trainees to embody excellence throughout their duties.
“You will undergo rigorous physical and mental training, and upon completion, you will represent us,” Commissioner Nepomuceno stated. “Our citizens must recognize that our work extends beyond the collection of taxes and trade facilitation. Your role in strengthening border control against illegal drugs and the exportation of prohibited items is equally vital, and we are counting on you to uphold this mission.”
The CP-RIG training is a direct response to the increasing need for specialized operatives capable of handling high-stakes security challenges.
The trainees were welcomed by Deputy Commissioner PBGen Nolasco K. Bathan (Ret.) and other key EG officials. Deputy Commissioner Bathan highlighted the program’s instrumental role in equipping future customs operatives with crucial competencies that will significantly enhance their operational readiness.
The successful completion of this training is expected to play a pivotal role in fortifying border security and sustaining a more resilient enforcement system across all ports of entry.
The Bureau of Customs continues to aggressively pursue initiatives that reinforce its capacity to secure the nation’s borders against smuggling and all forms of transnational crime, ensuring the protection of the populace and supporting the country’s economic stability.
