Bulacan mayor, BOC men figure in standoff

SAN RAFAEL, Bulacan, Philippines —   Mayor Cholo Violago of this town has dared the Bureau of Customs in Clark, Pampanga to release footage of closed-circuit television cameras on his arrival at the Clark Airport, where a standoff reportedly occurred between him and some BOC personnel.

Reports said Violago was questioned by BOC personnel, who allegedly found P400,000 cash in his luggage.

When Violago introduced himself, he said the personnel asked him why he did not do so immediately, and left him.

He said the CCTV footage of his arrival and departure would clear matters up.

Violago was reacting to a statement posted on Facebook by the BOC-Clark about the incident.

In a statement released on Wednesday, the BOC-Clark said it condemns the unlawful action of a public official who violated Customs laws upon arriving from  Bangkok, Thailand on Sept. 10.

The agency identified the official as Violago, whom the BOC said was found carrying in his luggage undeclared regulated agricultural products and P400,000 cash.

The BOC-Clark said Violago displayed inappropriate and abusive behavior during the inspection of his luggage.

Violago, according to the BOC statement, declared himself as unemployed and allegedly threatened a Customs personnel.