Composition of the Task Force
- Composed of senior officials from various government bodies: Office of the President, Department of Finance, DOJ, Bureau of Customs, BIR, Economic Investigation Bureau, NBI, PNP, and Armed Forces Intelligence.
- Headed by a senior law enforcement officer appointed by the President, assisted by a deputy likewise appointed.
Powers and Functions
- To prepare and implement measures to prevent and suppress large-scale smuggling and unlawful importations.
- Conduct searches and seizures compliant with the Tariff and Customs Code.
- Arrest, investigate, and prosecute smugglers and illegal importers promptly.
- Conduct intelligence and counter-intelligence operations relating to smuggling.
- Recruit personnel from law enforcement agencies.
- Enlist assistance from various government departments, including government-owned corporations.
- Perform additional functions as directed by the President.
Offenses Covered
- Authority to take cognizance of smuggling and customs frauds by syndicates or organized groups.
- Includes smuggling and false importations committed on a large scale.
- "Syndicate" means at least three persons conspiring.
- "Large scale" defined by collusion with Customs officials or importation value exceeding ₱1 million.
Organizational Support
- Task Force to organize technical, administrative, and special staff drawn from assisting agencies.
- Task Force head delineates responsibilities of support staff.
Special Team of Prosecutors
- Department of Justice assigns a Special Team to expedite prosecution.
- Powers include evaluating evidence, conducting preliminary investigations, filing charges, and recommending seizure warrants.
- Lawyers from NBI, Customs, and Economic Investigation Bureau assist.
Special Pool of Hearing Officers
- Established under the Bureau of Customs’ Deputy Commissioner for Revenue Collection.
- At least six members from Customs legal units handle seizure cases.
- Authority to summon witnesses, administer oaths, take testimony, rule on motions, and conduct necessary acts in hearings.
Summary Proceedings
- Seizure proceedings to be completed within 30 days.
- Technical law and procedural rules relaxed but due process observed.
- Collector of Customs must render decision within 5 days after hearings.
- Failure to comply may result in suspension or dismissal of officials.
Authorizations
- Customs Commissioner to issue necessary orders under the Tariff and Customs Code supporting Task Force operations.
Funding
- Initial budget of ₱20 million from the President’s Contingency Fund and government savings.
- Future funding included in the Office of the President’s budget proposals.
Operating Guidelines
- Task Force to adopt operating rules in coordination with customs enforcement agencies.
- Guidelines subject to President’s approval.
- Regular activity reports and recommendations submitted to the President.
Coordinating Instructions
- Task Force focuses on organized and large-scale smuggling under the President’s direct control.
- The PNP remains the primary general law enforcement agency.
- Close coordination required between Task Force, PNP, and other customs law enforcement agencies.
Repealing Clause
- All inconsistent orders, rules, or regulations are repealed or modified accordingly.
Effectivity
- The Executive Order takes effect immediately upon issuance.