PHL, Israel ink customs mutual assistance pact

The Philippines has signed a mutual assistance agreement with Israel on Customs matters in that country, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said.

Citing a report from the Philippine Embassy in Tel Aviv, the DFA said the Mutual Assistance in Customs Matters was signed in Israel on Tuesday.

Israeli Deputy Foreign Minister Danny Ayalon and Philippine Ambassador Petronila Garcia signed the agreement on behalf of their governments, the DFA said on its website.

Garcia said the Philippines is very fortunate to have Israel as a partner in this endeavor, noting that the negotiation process began five years ago.

The agreement is essential for countries to safeguard their economies, public welfare, and international interest, she added.

The agreement establishes the framework by which both countries will assist each other on customs-related issues according to the domestic laws of each party.

Under the agreement, both countries will:


Exchange information on whether goods exported from/imported to the country of a requesting Party were done legally;


provide information on offenses that may have been committed or are expected to be committed within the customs territories of the two countries;


conduct special surveillance over transportation, goods, individuals or places suspected of being involved in committing customs-related offenses, and


Professional and technical cooperation and assistance.

Ayalon said the agreement is a landmark in the bilateral relations between the Philippines and Israel as it brings the two parties closer together.

Garcia said the signing marks the beginning of another chapter in strengthening Philippines-Israel relations.

Witnessing the signing ceremony were:

Israeli Customs Authority Director General Doron Arbely;

Israel Tax Authority Senior Director on International Affairs Daniel Dragucki;

Philippine Bureau of Customs (BOC) International Affairs Office Chief John Simon;
BOC International Control Office's Wilnora Cawile, and

Embassy officers and staff.
– VVP, GMANews.TV

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