The Philippine National Police-Highway Patrol Group (PNP-HPG) has administratively relieved 13 personnel, including its National Capital Region chief, following an uncoordinated raid that led to a confrontation with Bureau of Customs (BOC) agents at a warehouse in Bulacan.

HPG Director Brig. Gen. Rommel Batangan ordered the relief effective August 20 to pave the way for an impartial investigation.

The incident occurred when armed, civilian-clothed HPG personnel entered the warehouse and frisked uniformed Customs officers during a legitimate cigarette incineration operation. The confrontation was later defused following intervention by BOC officials.

The HPG said the operation resulted from confusion, as the personnel were reportedly targeting a different location. Batangan said appropriate action will be taken based on the investigation and in accordance with due process.

BOC spokesperson Chris Noel Bendijo described the incident as unacceptable and said proper coordination could have prevented the confrontation.