BOC Deputy Commissioner Resigns Citing ‘Security Issues’ — But What’s Really Behind the Exit?

A senior official of the Bureau of Customs (BOC) has quietly stepped down, raising questions over what exactly prompted his sudden departure.

Internal Administration Group Deputy Commissioner Michael Fermin is no longer connected with the BOC after tendering his resignation last week, according to officials who confirmed the development on Tuesday.

Office of the Commissioner Deputy Chief of Staff Chris Noel Bendijo said Fermin resigned due to “personal security issues,” but declined to provide further details.

“There are personal security issues I cannot discuss at the moment. That was the deciding factor for DepCom Mike to resign,” Bendijo said.

BOC Assistant Commissioner Vincent Philip Maronilla also confirmed the resignation, describing the reasons as “personal.”

The lack of clarity, however, has fueled speculation.

What kind of “security issue” forces a top Customs official out of office?

Was it a threat? A sensitive investigation? Or something more troubling?

Fermin is no stranger to public service or controversy. He previously served as an elected official of Bulacan and once sat as a board member of the Poro Point Management Corporation, a role that placed him close to major government-linked commercial interests.

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. appointed Fermin as deputy commissioner in April last year, making his abrupt exit less than a year into the post all the more conspicuous.

No replacement has been named as of writing.

Whether this was a case of genuine security concern, mounting pressure from within, or an attempt to preempt deeper scrutiny remains unclear. For now, the resignation answers one question but opens several more.

Brace for Impact: The Urgent Call to Prepare for the Big One

EARTHQUAKE AFTER EARTHQUAKE

A strong earthquake jolted Bogo, Cebu, on September 30, 2025, with a magnitude of 6.9 that was also felt in nearby islands and provinces. The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) recorded over 10,000 aftershocks, some of which were actual earthquakes.

While Central Visayas was still recovering, another quake struck northern Luzon, particularly in La Union, recording a magnitude of 4.4. Fortunately, no casualties or damages were reported.

The following day, on October 10, Mindanao was also hit, this time in Davao Oriental, where a magnitude 7.4 earthquake (later revised to 7.5) occurred, followed by another one at magnitude 6.8 just hours later. Many infrastructures were damaged or destroyed, with continuous aftershocks reported in the area.

The next day, a magnitude 5.0 earthquake shook Zambales, though the good news was that no casualties were recorded.

And just yesterday, Cebu once again experienced another strong tremor, this time with a magnitude of 5.8, shaking homes, schools, and other buildings in the province.

ARE THEY CONNECTED?

PHIVOLCS assured the public that these earthquakes are not connected to one another and do not trigger each other. According to PHIVOLCS Director Teresito Bacolcol in an interview with ANC, these quakes came from different earthquake generators. He explained that the La Union quake was generated by the Philippine Fault, the shaking in Zambales was caused by the Manila Trench, the Cebu quake came from the Bogo Bay Fault, and both the Davao and Surigao earthquakes were generated by the Philippine Trench.

So why are they happening one after another?

Director Bacolcol explained that this is to be expected, as the Philippines is located along the Pacific Ring of Fire and has 180 active fault segments and six active trenches. Because of this, there is a possibility that multiple earthquakes could occur close together in time.

WHAT CAN WE DO?

Local government units are now distributing “Go Bags” containing essential first aid items such as bandages, alcohol, medicines, flashlights, and whistles—basic supplies that can be used during emergencies.

Earthquake drills are also being conducted again to refresh the knowledge of students, workers, and the general public on what to do before, during, and after an earthquake. These drills emphasize the importance of staying calm, protecting oneself, and knowing the nearest evacuation areas.

These are the preparations we can take since, as of now, there is still no scientific instrument or system that can predict exactly when the “Big One” will occur. The expected magnitude of the “Big One” is around 7.2 or higher, and according to Bacolcol, it happens every 400 to 600 years. The last recorded major movement was in 1658.

Whether the “Big One” happens in the coming days, years, or decades, what truly matters is that we are informed, prepared, and equipped with the knowledge and tools that can help us when the time comes.

Governor points finger to failed flood control project under his term

By Jed Queenny Cruz

Governor Fredenil “Oto” Castro, who has held political power in Capiz for decades, now finds himself in the hot seat over the failed Angub River Control Project. Instead of owning up to his connection, he is quick to pass the blame elsewhere, conveniently distancing himself from a project that was approved and funded in 2019, when he himself was congressman of the 2nd District of Capiz.

Records show that the project carried a P94 million budget under his watch. While Castro insists he had nothing to do with it, the timeline and approvals clearly tie the project back to his tenure. The governor, however, tries to divert attention by citing contractors and supposed affiliations of other personalities, as if these could erase the fact that he was the district’s representative when the deal was green lighted.

This is where the problem lies: leaders who are quick to claim credit when projects succeed, but equally quick to wash their hands when those projects collapse. Accountability should not be optional. If public officials cannot be held responsible for projects approved under their watch, then who should answer for wasted funds and failed infrastructure?

It's easy to point fingers at anyone especially now that Filipinos are so eager for justice concerning the corrupted flood control projects; but we should stay vigilant in making sure that information we digest is truthful and just released to add to the chaos.

Blog Post Title Two

It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more. Or maybe you have a creative project to share with the world. Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.

Don’t worry about sounding professional. Sound like you. There are over 1.5 billion websites out there, but your story is what’s going to separate this one from the rest. If you read the words back and don’t hear your own voice in your head, that’s a good sign you still have more work to do.

Be clear, be confident and don’t overthink it. The beauty of your story is that it’s going to continue to evolve and your site can evolve with it. Your goal should be to make it feel right for right now. Later will take care of itself. It always does.

Blog Post Title Three

It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more. Or maybe you have a creative project to share with the world. Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.

Don’t worry about sounding professional. Sound like you. There are over 1.5 billion websites out there, but your story is what’s going to separate this one from the rest. If you read the words back and don’t hear your own voice in your head, that’s a good sign you still have more work to do.

Be clear, be confident and don’t overthink it. The beauty of your story is that it’s going to continue to evolve and your site can evolve with it. Your goal should be to make it feel right for right now. Later will take care of itself. It always does.

Blog Post Title Four

It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more. Or maybe you have a creative project to share with the world. Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.

Don’t worry about sounding professional. Sound like you. There are over 1.5 billion websites out there, but your story is what’s going to separate this one from the rest. If you read the words back and don’t hear your own voice in your head, that’s a good sign you still have more work to do.

Be clear, be confident and don’t overthink it. The beauty of your story is that it’s going to continue to evolve and your site can evolve with it. Your goal should be to make it feel right for right now. Later will take care of itself. It always does.