2 ex-AFP generals eyed as BOC intel chief

MANILA, Philippines - At least two retired military generals are reportedly among the contenders for the recently vacated post of Bureau of Customs-Customs Intelligence and Investigation Service (CIIS) chief.

Among those being considered to replace recently resigned CIIS acting chief retired general Arnulfo Palmea are Brigadier General Ricardo Butalid Jr. and Brigadier General Nestor Añonuevo.

A Customs insider said Butalid belongs to Philippine Military Academy (PMA) Class ’79 while Anonuevo is from PMA Class ’81.

BOC Intelligence Group (IG) Deputy Commissioner Jesse Dellosa, also a retired military general, said he is recommending  Butalid.

“But this is just a recommendation. It depends if the Department of Finance will approve it,” Dellosa said.

The CIIS is one of the units under the IG.

The source said Butalid belongs to the same class as Dellosa, while Añonuevo is a “mistah” of Philippine National Police chief Director General Alan Purisima and Armed Forces of the Philippines chief Genral Gregorio Pio Catapang.

Customs Commissioner John Sevilla said Palmea resigned from the BOC last Monday, Sept. 15, “to be able to spend time with his family.”

He had to assume the post as CIIS acting chief when the unit’s head Alejandro Estomo retired from service to be with his children abroad.

Sevilla said that the CIIS would soon have a new permanent leader. “We would have somebody, a full time person at CIIS as soon as possible.”

He expressed optimism that operations at the CIIS would not be affected by the lack of leadership.

Asked if he already has somebody in mind to replace Palmea, Sevilla refused to disclose his choice.

“Considering the sensitivity of the post, there is a criteria that would have to be met by the new CIIS head,” he said.