MANILA, Nov. 12 -- The Bureau of Customs (BOC) has begun investigating several of its personnel allegedly involved in "syndicate-style" operations that manipulated shipment inspections, Commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno told senators on Wednesday.

During the organizational meeting of the Senate Committee on Ways and Means, Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian asked Nepomuceno about reports that some BOC employees had swapped vehicle inspection results to facilitate the release of imported cars.

"Parang itong operation is really sindikato... mga BOC employees din ang gumagawa (This operation seems to be run by a syndicate involving BOC employees)," Gatchalian said, asking whether those responsible have been identified and sanctioned.

Nepomuceno confirme...