The Bureau of Customs (BOC) on Thursday began the delivery of around 130,000 unclaimed balikbayan boxes in compliance with the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to ensure their distribution to the families of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) this holiday season.
BOC Commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno led the inspection of the unclaimed boxes at the Port of Manila, most of which originated from the Middle East, particularly Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates. Some of the shipments had been at the port for as long as eight months to two years.
According to Nepomuceno, the boxes were left behind after consolidators and de-consolidators failed to settle the required duties and taxes, prompting the cargo to be declared abandoned. He clarified that the boxes will be released to their rightful recipients free of charge, with delivery costs shouldered by the national government as a Christmas gift of President Marcos to OFWs and their families.
The BOC also announced that administrative and legal actions will be pursued against the de-consolidators responsible for abandoning the shipments, with case filings expected to begin after Christmas, in coordination with the National Bureau of Investigation.
Earlier this week, President Marcos announced that all efforts are being exhausted to ensure the speedy delivery of the delayed balikbayan boxes nationwide before Christmas.
