By Lane Afable, News Editor
Malacañang on Thursday said the Bureau of Customs (BOC) is stepping up assistance to overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) who have fallen victim to fraudulent freight forwarders, in line with the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to protect the welfare of Filipinos abroad.
During a Palace press briefing, Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said the BOC has intensified its support mechanisms for affected OFWs, particularly those whose balikbayan boxes and personal shipments were mishandled or never delivered by unscrupulous cargo operators.
“Sa mga ganitong sitwasyon, ipagbigay-alam lamang at agad iyang aaksyunan ng pamahalaan,” Castro said.
She noted that a large scale estafa has been filed before the National Bureau of Investigation Fraud and Financial Crimes Division against a freight forwarder.
“Sinisigurado ng BOC na hindi ito titigil sa pagtindig kasama ang mga kababayan nating OFW alinsunod na rin sa direktiba ni Pangulong Marcos Jr. na isulong ang kapakanan ng overseas Filipino workers. Kaya sa mga manloloko diyan, sa mga nagmamalinis, huwag na ninyong subukan,” Castro said.
The BOC, under Commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno, has also strengthened its legal actions against erring freight forwarders following the filing of additional complaints by aggrieved OFWs.
The BOC assured that it will continue to pursue accountability and justice for victims, emphasizing that fraudulent practices in the cargo forwarding industry will not be tolerated.
Malacañang echoed the agency’s call for affected individuals to immediately report similar incidents to concerned authorities to ensure swift investigation and resolution.
Castro also reiterated that the government remains committed to safeguarding the interests of OFWs, recognizing their vital contribution to the country’s economy.
Malacañang also warned unscrupulous operators to desist from illegal activities, stressing that the government will relentlessly go after those who exploit Filipino workers abroad.
