By Lane Afable, Bews Editor
The Bureau of Customs (BOC) facilitated the distribution of abandoned balikbayan boxes under the custody of the Manila International Container Port (MICP) on April 21, 2026, as part of its sustained efforts to return undelivered shipments to their rightful owners and address long-standing concerns of affected overseas Filipino workers (OFWs).
The activity was administered by Director Venus E. Apas of the Balikbayan and Overseas Filipino Workers Action Center, ensuring that the recovered shipments were properly identified and released to their rightful recipients.
This initiative forms part of the BOC’s continuing efforts to support OFWs who were victimized by unscrupulous freight forwarders.
By facilitating the recovery and distribution of these abandoned packages, the Bureau helps ease the burden on affected OFWs and their families.
The BOC also backed the filing of criminal complaints by affected OFWs against Makati Express Cargo, reinforcing efforts to hold accountable those responsible for the non-delivery of balikbayan boxes and to support the pursuit of justice for the victims.
Under the leadership of Commissioner Ariel F. Nepomuceno, the agency continues to strengthen measures to safeguard balikbayan shipments, enhance coordination with concerned offices, and ensure the proper handling and lawful disposition of abandoned cargo in accordance with existing customs laws and regulations.
