30/04/2026
#ππ¨πππ¨π«πππ©πππππ¬ | The Bureau of Customs (BOC)- Subport of General Santos actively participated in the 1st Quarter Regional To***co Control Network (RTCN) Meeting held at Habi Hotel, Koronadal City, South Cotabato. The activity was convened through the invitation of Aristides Concepcion Tan, MD, MPH, CESO III, and gathered key stakeholders including Regional To***co Control Network agency representatives, Provincial/City To***co Control Managers, and Red Orchid Awardees.
The meeting served as a vital platform for inter-agency coordination and information exchange on to***co control initiatives. Among the key agenda items discussed were the presentation of accomplishments on smuggled ci******es, updates from the National Technical Working Group on To***co Prevention and Control, developments on the V**e Law, presentation of the 2026 Red Orchid Award nominees, planned activities for 2026, and the final draft of the Regional Personnel Order (RPO) concerning the composition and renaming of the RTCN.
Representing the Port Collector, Chief of Staff and Chief of Export Section, COO IV Merjam Cela M. Edulan, discussed the accomplishments of the BOC Gensan in the smuggling of ci******es and their conveyance. She also highlighted relevant customs rulings concerning law enforcement agencies, particularly the Philippine National Police (PNP), in their enforcement efforts. The BOC reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening border protection through intensified monitoring, intelligence gathering, and seizure operations against smuggled ci******es.
The participation of the BOC-Port of General Santos underscores the critical importance of sustained collaboration with the Department of Health (DOH). Under the leadership of Port Collector Ralph Antone S. Rojo with supervision of District Collector Port of Davao Maita S. Acevedo, and Customs Commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno, such partnership is essential in ensuring a comprehensive approach to to***co controlβcombining strict enforcement at ports of entry with robust public health policies and community-based interventions. Through strengthened coordination, information sharing, and joint initiatives, both agencies play a pivotal role in protecting public health, preventing the proliferation of illicit to***co products, and advancing the governmentβs commitment to a smoke-free and healthier region.