The Bureau of Customs (BOC) said 29 newly trained officers of its elite Customs Police Rapid Intervention Group (CPRIG) has been added to its force as of its ongoing efforts to enhance frontline enforcement and safeguard the country’s ports and borders against smuggling and other transnational crimes.
Commissioner Ariel F. Nepomuceno said the officers completed the rigorous Customs Police Rapid Intervention Group Special Operations Training (CPRIG-SOT), a program designed to develop a highly capable tactical unit equipped to carry out high-risk enforcement operations and respond swiftly to evolving security threats.
Commissioner Ariel F. Nepomuceno lauded the graduates for their courage, discipline, and patriotism, emphasizing the importance of their role in protecting the country from illegal activities.
The BOC chief said the new officers as the “standard bearer” of the agency and on their shoulders rest BOC’s integrity, discipline and professionalism of the Customs Police.
He also underscored the importance of sustaining the operational capability, discipline, and professionalism developed during the training, noting that CPRIG remains a vital force in supporting the Bureau’s enforcement and border protection operations.
Commissioner Nepomuceno, together with Armed Forces of the Philippines Chief of Staff General Romeo S. Brawner Jr., also emphasized the critical role of CPRIG in addressing evolving national security threats, including smuggling, illegal trafficking, and other transnational crimes. They highlighted the unit’s function as one of the country’s frontline defense forces against organized criminal groups exploiting Philippine borders and ports.
Armed Forces of the Philippines Chief of Staff General Romeo S. Brawner Jr., who served as the guest of honor during the ceremony, commended the graduates for successfully completing the demanding four-month training program conducted by trainers from the AFP Special Forces and the Presidential Security Group (PSG).
“Today is a recognition of the transformation of the men and women who answered the call to serve with greater discipline and purpose. Every threat intercepted, every successful operation, and every crime prevented contributes to the stability and security of our nation,” General Brawner said.
“Skill without integrity is dangerous, and strength without discipline is meaningless,” General Brawner stressed.
The CPRIG graduates underwent intensive training covering Customs Police Fundamentals, Special Skills, and Advanced Skills. The program included airport and seaport operations, tactical intelligence, Tactical Combat Casualty Care (TCCC), pistol and rifle marksmanship, IED identification, tactical communications, Close Quarter Battle (CQB), Vessel Boarding, Search and Seizure (VBSS), and Executive Protection operations.
The ceremony likewise highlighted the strong inter-agency cooperation among the BOC, AFP, Philippine Navy, and other partner agencies, particularly in enhancing intelligence sharing and operational coordination to strengthen national security.
The Bureau of Customs reaffirmed its commitment to continuously enhancing the operational readiness and professionalism of CPRIG through specialized training programs aimed at protecting the country’s borders, economy, and national security.
