An internal strife within the Customs Intelligence and Investigation Service (CIIS) is threatening to emerge and hamper operations at the Bureau of Customs (BoC) as a result of the ongoing reshuffle of personnel nationwide.

A Customs official said some intelligence officers are up in arms over the revamp implemented by acting Customs deputy commissioner Filomeno Vicencio Jr. for the Intelligence Group disregarding the merit system.

“They say the reshuffle is not based on merits but more on political patronage. Is it because they have close ties with Vicencio,” the official, who requested not to be named for fear of reprisal, said.

This has resulted to a creeping demoralization and rift started to develop within the ranks of the CIIS.

Eric Albano, CIIS chief for operations, and his assistant, Mitchel Verdeflor, were spared of the reshuffle despite their alleged questionable reputation and reports of unexplained wealth.