Acting on the direct orders of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., the Bureau of Customs (BOC) has significantly intensified its operations against unscrupulous freight forwarders to protect the welfare and hard-earned shipments of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs).
During a press briefing at Malacañang on Thursday, Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro emphasized the administration’s commitment to ensuring that balikbayan boxes reach their intended families without interference from predatory cargo operators.
The BOC, under the leadership of Commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno, has strengthened its legal framework to pursue justice for OFWs whose personal shipments were mishandled or abandoned. Key developments include:
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Large-Scale Estafa Filing: A formal complaint has been lodged with the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) Fraud and Financial Crimes Division against a major freight forwarder.
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Increased Support Mechanisms: The BOC has streamlined the process for OFWs to report grievances and receive assistance regarding undelivered cargo.
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Zero Tolerance Policy: The government is actively filing additional complaints based on reports from aggrieved Filipino workers to ensure industry-wide accountability.
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“In these situations, simply inform us and the government will act immediately,” Castro stated in Filipino. “The BOC ensures it will not stop standing by our OFWs, following President Marcos Jr.’s directive to promote their welfare. To those scammers out there: do not even try.”
The Palace issued a stern warning to freight forwarders engaging in illegal activities. The administration reiterated that it will relentlessly pursue those who exploit the trust of Filipino workers abroad, recognizing the vital role OFWs play in the nation’s economic stability.
Malacañang urges all affected individuals to immediately report incidents of fraud, non-delivery, or mishandling of shipments to the proper authorities. Prompt reporting is essential for the BOC and NBI to conduct swift investigations and secure the resolution of pending cases.
The government remains steadfast in its mission to safeguard the interests of the modern-day heroes of the Philippines, ensuring that their contributions to their families and the country are respected and protected.
