MANILA – The Bureau of Customs (BOC) has finished distributing all balikbayan boxes that were left behind by cargo forwarders at the Ports of Manila and Davao, the Department of Finance (DOF) announced.
According to the DOF, 25,818 balikbayan boxes have been successfully delivered to the families of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs).
Finance Secretary Frederick Go said the government remains committed to ensuring that these packages reach their rightful recipients.
“Patuloy ang Bureau of Customs at ang Department of Finance, kasama ang Department of Migrant Workers, sa pagtulong para maibalik ang mga abandoned boxes sa mga pamilya,” Go said during a distribution activity at the Port of Cebu on March 24.
He added that authorities will also hold accountable those responsible for irregularities involving the delayed shipments.
Meanwhile, BOC Commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno said the agency will continue efforts to speed up the distribution of the remaining balikbayan boxes in other ports.
The DOF reported that 13,842 boxes were released in Cebu, 8,475 at the Manila International Container Port, 2,699 in Subic, 732 in Davao, and 70 at the Port of Manila.
Another 15,084 boxes are still scheduled for release, most of which are located at the Manila International Container Port, with a smaller number remaining in Cebu.
Go also urged the public to transact only with legitimate forwarding companies to avoid similar incidents in the future.
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