The Bureau of Customs (BOC) has launched an internal investigation into its own personnel in connection with the alleged smuggling of luxury vehicles linked to the Discaya family.

In a press conference on Wednesday, Customs Commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno revealed that more than 10 BOC personnel have been identified as persons of interest (POI) in the processing of the vehicles, along with 10 consignees representing their importation.

“Masama man sa loob ko, meron na kaming dapat tingnan sa sarili naming hanay. Sa ngayon mayroon na kaming tinatawag na persons of interest na sampu,” said Nepomuceno.

The commissioner explained that these individuals must provide an explanation as to how the vehicles passed through their watch without the proper documentation and payment of duties.

“We will have to make even our own people accountable,” he added.

According to Nepomuceno, investigators have traced the entry points of several of the vehicles: five at the Port of Batangas, three in Cebu, three at the Port of Manila, and seven at the Manila International Container Port.

The BOC has given the Discaya family and the consignees 15 days to submit the necessary papers. Failure to do so would subject the vehicles to a warrant of seizure and detention.

Nepomuceno also noted that the investigation will extend to names, including lawmakers, that surfaced during congressional hearings.

Currently, 32 luxury vehicles owned by the Discayas are in BOC custody. Of these, eight are already under warrant of seizure and detention proceedings for lack of import entry and certificates of payment.

In an earlier interview, the Discaya family admitted to owning 40 vehicles. Nepomuceno said the bureau will continue its probe on the remaining units.

The Discayas are now under scrutiny over anomalous flood control projects in the country.