Administrative Structure and Composition
- Formation of a Secretariat to coordinate the Run After The Smugglers (RATS) Group activities.
- Secretariat composed of three specialized teams: Case Evaluation Team, Profiling Team, and Prosecution/Litigation Team.
- Deputy Commissioner of the Revenue Collection and Monitoring Group (RCMG) designated as Head of RATS and tasked to form the Secretariat immediately.
- Provision for additional technical and administrative support personnel from other BOC offices upon proper requests and approval.
Functions of the RATS Group
- Conduct investigations and profiling, including evidence gathering against Customs personnel, importers, brokers suspected of smuggling.
- Recommend and initiate filing of criminal cases with the Department of Justice (DOJ), monitor case progress.
- Develop and maintain a comprehensive database regarding smuggling activities and involved personnel.
- Perform research and monitoring on key smuggling areas and modus operandi to identify trends and formulate strategies.
- Conduct training programs to enhance capabilities in targeting, profiling, evaluating, and litigating trade law violations.
- Recommend internal rules and operational orders for case-building, monitoring, investigation, and enforcement activities.
- Recommend issuance of Letters of Authority and alert/hold orders against suspicious shipments or establishments.
- Recommend post-entry audits of importers suspected of smuggling activities.
Administrative Support and Documentation
- All case folders, files, and records on RATS operations and related prosecutions are to be transferred to the RATS Group upon the Order's effectivity.
- Apprehending units must provide certified true copies of Apprehension Reports and pertinent documents within 48 hours after apprehension.
- District and Port Collectors must submit certified copies of Warrants of Seizure and Detention, along with inspection and apprehension reports within 48 hours.
- Obligatory cooperation of all involved customs personnel and custody holders of official documents with RATS personnel, including executing affidavits to support filed or to-be-filed cases.
Authority to Issue Subpoenas
- The Deputy Commissioner as Head of RATS is vested with authority to issue subpoena duces tecum and ad testificandum under Section 3503 of the Tariff and Customs Code of the Philippines (TCCP).
- This authority facilitates securing witness testimony and necessary records/documents for investigations and prosecutions.
Penalties for Non-Compliance
- Customs officials or personnel failing to comply with directives within prescribed periods face penalties under Section 3604 of the TCCP and applicable civil service rules.
Repealing Clause
- All orders, rules, and regulations inconsistent with this Order are repealed, superseded, or modified accordingly.
Effectivity
- The Order takes effect immediately upon issuance.