After months of uncertainty and emotional distress, Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) and their families have begun receiving their long-awaited balikbayan boxes. These shipments, previously abandoned by unscrupulous freight forwarders, are now being distributed through an intensive recovery operation led by the Bureau of Customs (BOC).
The delivery of these packages follows a direct mandate from President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., who has expressed his unwavering support for government efforts to assist OFWs victimized by fraudulent shipping practices.
The BOC clarified that the prolonged delays were not due to government processing but were the result of certain deconsolidators and freight forwarders failing to fulfill their obligations. Despite having collected full payment from OFWs abroad, these companies abandoned the containers, leaving thousands of sentimental and valuable items stranded in ports.
To date, the BOC has achieved the following milestones in the recovery effort:
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15 containers of abandoned balikbayan boxes have been successfully released and are currently in the final stages of delivery.
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21 additional containers are scheduled for pull-out and processing within this week.
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Direct Delivery: The BOC is working to ensure these boxes reach their rightful owners in a transparent and orderly manner.
In a firm stand against exploitation, the BOC accompanied affected OFWs to the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) on December 4 to formally file cases against the erring freight forwarders.
“The Bureau of Customs remains committed to protecting the welfare of our modern-day heroes,” the BOC stated. “We are ensuring that those responsible for this neglect are held accountable to the fullest extent of the law.”
The BOC reminds the public to remain vigilant when sending packages home. To avoid falling victim to similar schemes, OFWs are advised to:
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Verify Credential: Only use freight forwarders accredited by the DTI and BOC.
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Beware of “Too Good to be True” Offers: Exercise caution with companies offering unrealistically low shipping fees, as these are often indicators of fraudulent operations.
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Stay Informed: Follow the official BOC social media platforms and website for a list of blacklisted forwarders and real-time shipment updates.
The BOC will continue to issue official advisories to provide accurate information and ensure that no more Filipino families suffer from these irresponsible business practices.
