Question & AnswerQ&A (BOC CUSTOMS MEMORANDUM ORDER NO. 1-2012)
The main purpose is to strengthen the Run After the Smugglers (RATS) Group under the Revenue Collection and Monitoring Group (RCMG) and intensify its role in the anti-smuggling efforts of the Bureau of Customs.
The RCMG is mandated under Executive Order No. 127 and the Revised Administrative Code of 1987.
Section 602 paragraph (b) of the Tariff and Customs Code of the Philippines (TCCP), as amended.
The objectives include ensuring successful prosecution of cases, immediate institution of proceedings on apprehensions, coordination among customs and government units for investigations and filings, and maintaining a centralized database of all cases.
The Secretariat is composed of the Case Evaluation Team, Profiling Team, and Prosecution/Litigation Team.
The Deputy Commissioner of RCMG, as Head of RATS, is responsible for forming the Secretariat.
Key functions include conducting investigations and profiling of suspects, recommending and initiating filing of criminal cases, developing a database on smuggling activities, conducting research and monitoring smuggling modalities, conducting trainings, recommending internal rules, issuance of Letters of Authority, and recommending post-entry audits.
They must furnish certified copies of the Warrant, recommendations, examination reports, and other supporting documents to the RATS Group within 48 hours for profiling and evaluation for criminal case initiation.
The Deputy Commissioner is authorized to issue subpoena duces tecum and ad testificandum to secure witnesses, records, and documents necessary for investigations and prosecutions.
They will be dealt with in accordance with Section 3604 of the TCCP, as amended, and applicable civil service rules and regulations.
They are directed to cooperate with the designated RATS personnel and must execute affidavits, if required, to support administrative or criminal cases filed or to be filed.
It consolidates information on all cases investigated or prosecuted and details about smuggling activities, including personnel suspected of involvement, to aid in enforcement and prosecution.
All case folders, files, and records pertaining to the operation of RATS and prosecutions filed with the DOJ and courts.
Within forty-eight (48) hours after apprehension.
The repealing clause states that all inconsistent orders, rules, and regulations are repealed, superseded, and modified accordingly.