MANILA, Philippines - The Bureau of Customs has continued the reshuffle of its personnel months ahead of the national elections, this time involving the agency’s Enforcement and Security Service, including an official in Subic Bay who was involved in a sexual harassment case.

Customs Commissioner Napoleon Morales signed an order that allowed the movement of its security personnel in its collection districts in Port of Manila, Subic Bay and San Fernando in La Union.

Port of Manila chief Jose Yunchongco was relieved of his duties as district commander. He, however, retains his higher positions both as chief of Customs Police Department and deputy director of the Enforcement and Security Service.

Capt. Ramon Policarpio, who was relieved of his duties in Subic Bay, will replace Yuchongco in Port of Manila, BOC’s second-largest collection point.

Incidentally, Policarpio was involved in a sexual-harassment case of a female processor in the Port of Subic.

The broker, an employee of Red Archer General Services, filed her complaint before the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority Intelligence and Investigation Office late last year.

Policarpio will be replaced by Capt. Isidro Estrera, who was chief of BOC’s San Fernando, La Union, district.

Army Capt. Roberto Gines will be the officer-in-charge of the post vacated by Estrera, according to the BOC order signed on December 29.

Customs police have been instrumental in the foiling smuggling activities of port users. There are reports that attempts to smuggle goods into the country are expected to increase as a result of the national elections in May.

Commission on Elections forbids government agencies to transfer its personnel during campaign period, which starts in February.

Last month, Morales also reshuffled its personnel, starting with Cebu and Davao, two collection points that have been performing well in 2009 despite the fall in cargo volumes.

Morales on December 8 issued an order replacing Ricardo Belmonte, brother of Quezon City Mayor Feliciano, as district collector of Cebu.

Belmonte is placed at the Office of the Commissioner, but officials said he may take over Port of Manila anytime soon.

Morales appointed Davao district collector Ronnie Silvestre to Cebu, while Anju Nereo Castigador has been appointed as acting district collector in Davao.