By Benjamin Cuaresma
MANILA, Philippines — Bureau of Customs Commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno described relieved Enforcement and Security Service (ESS) chief Lt. Lars Jalani II as a “competent officer,” even as the agency investigates how firearms allegedly ended up in the hands of Jalani’s son, who was linked to the shooting incident at Ateneo de Zamboanga University.
Nepomuceno stressed that Jalani’s relief from his post was not a judgment on his performance as a Customs official, pointing instead to his record in the bureau’s anti-smuggling operations.
“I am not defending him, but he was appointed as head of our (Customs) police there (Zamboanga because) he is a good officer. He works well,” Nepomuceno said in a televised interview.
The Customs chief said Jalani had been involved in several successful operations against smugglers in Zamboanga, an area he described as a hotspot for the illegal movement of cigarettes, fuel and agricultural products, including rice.
“He puts himself in harm’s way 24/7,” Nepomuceno said.
Nepomuceno said Jalani was relieved while authorities determine how his son gained access to the firearms reportedly used in the school shooting.
The commissioner emphasized that the investigation was not intended to hold Jalani responsible for his son’s actions.
“We are not blaming him for what his son did,” Nepomuceno said.
But as a public official entrusted with firearms, Jalani should have exercised greater caution in securing the weapons and preventing children from gaining access to them, the BOC chief said.
“That is the reason why I am compelled, as the Commissioner, to relieve him,” Nepomuceno explained.
The Customs commissioner also assured that the bureau would fully cooperate with the ongoing investigations into the shooting incident and the circumstances surrounding the firearms involved.
Nepomuceno’s remarks underscored the distinction between Jalani’s record as a Customs enforcement officer and the administrative questions now being examined in connection with the firearms used in the incident.
ia/xf
