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Geotagging photos and videos are now mandated in the exercise of customs police authority and other customs operations under Customs Memorandum Order No. 37-2021
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These will complement the mandatory use of body-worn cameras in customs operations
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Only geotagged photos, videos, and body-worn camera/alternative recording device recordings will be accepted as proof of conduct of customs operations
Customs operatives must now show proof of conduct of operations through submission of mandatory geotagging photos and videos, according to a new Bureau of Customs (BOC) order.
The use of geotagging mobile applications in taking photos and videos through smartphones will complement the mandatory use of body-worn camera as a standard equipment in the exercise of police authority and other customs operations, according to Customs Memorandum Order (CMO) No. 37-2021.
READ: Body-worn cameras mandatory in certain customs operations
Geotagging is the process of adding geographical information to various media in the form of metadata, which usually consists of coordinates like latitude and longitude, and may include bearing, altitude, distance, and place names.
The use of geotagging mobile applications in taking photos and videos using smartphones will be mandatory during the following operations:
- Approved controlled delivery operation
- Boarding formalities
- Conduct of auction sales
- Destruction or condemnation of goods, including their transport to the designated facility
- Electronic Tracking of Containerized Cargo (E-TRACC)-related operations, particularly the conduct of investigation upon the report of violation of E-TRACC rules and regulations
- Fuel marking operations
- Guarding duty at customs import exit gates for containers/cargoes, if applicable
- Hot pursuit
- Inspection of consignees’ offices
- Non-intrusive examination of goods
- Physical examination of goods within and/or outside of customs zone
- Search of persons arriving from foreign countries
- Service of Letter of Authority
- Search of vehicles, other carriers, persons, and animals
- Search on vessels or aircraft and persons or goods conveyed therein
- Covert and overt operations of the Intelligence Group and Enforcement Group
Customs officers and employees conducting the covered operations are required to download a geotagging mobile application. All reports in the exercise of customs operations must be accompanied by a printout of geotagged photos taken during the operations.
All geotagged photos and videos taken should be submitted to the designated data custodian within 24 hours of completion of the operation. Only geotagged photos, videos, and those recorded by body-worn cameras or alternative recording devices will be accepted as proof of conduct of customs operations.
CMO 37-2021 took effect on December 13.
BOC earlier acquired 200 body-worn cameras to be distributed to its collection districts nationwide as part of efforts to modernize and enhance its enforcement capabilities.
READ: BOC security personnel to start wearing body cameras
Any act that violates or fails to comply with the order will be a ground for administrative liability, which will be without prejudice to other criminal, administrative, or civil liability that may arise pursuant to the provisions of the applicable law violated.
