THE Bureau of Customs (BOC), together with the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) and the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW), conducted an inspection yesterday at the Manila International Container Port (MICP) as part of ongoing government efforts to protect Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) and ensure accountability in the handling of balikbayan shipments.
The inspection was led by BOC Commissioner Ariel F. Nepomuceno, joined by Officer-in-Charge Atty. Angelito Magno, Chief Atty. Palmer Mallari, Atty. Rugy De Veyra of the NBI, DMW Undersecretary Bernard Olalia, and MICP District Collector Atty. Felipe Geoffrey K. De Vera. The activity focused on abandoned containers of balikbayan boxes that have raised concerns among affected OFWs and their families.
During the inspection, Commissioner Nepomuceno also announced the suspension of the privileges of the deconsolidators responsible for abandoning the shipments. He emphasized that these companies will no longer be allowed to transact business with the BOC, ensuring that they cannot engage in handling balikbayan boxes in the future.
The presence of the NBI highlighted BOC’s commitment to thoroughly investigate the circumstances surrounding the abandonment of the balikbayan boxes, with information being gathered to support the filing of appropriate cases against the responsible companies. Meanwhile, the DMW attended the proceedings to witness the process and ensure that the abandoned boxes are properly handled and returned to their OFW beneficiaries.
Prior to this joint inspection, the BOC has also assisted affected OFWs in filing complaints with the NBI in December 2025 against the entities involved in the abandonment of the balikbayan boxes.
Commissioner Nepomuceno, in an interview during the inspection, said, “Mas importante ngayon, pananagutin natin ‘yung mga nagkaroon ng pagkakamali o sinadya na wag talaga nila i-deliver ito dahil in-abandon nila itong obligasyon sa mga OFWs,” sending a clear message that neglecting responsibilities toward the OFWs will not be tolerated, and the BOC will take decisive action to protect their rights and welfare.
As of 23 January 2026, the BOC has released 66 containers, with deliveries still currently in progress. With the completion of all legal documents needed, the BOC can now commence the release of the 74 remaining containers to its logistics partners for sorting and subsequent delivery. To date, the BOC has successfully delivered 8,020 boxes to their rightful recipients.
This collaboration with the NBI, together with other government agencies such as the PPA and the DMW, aligns with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to prioritize the welfare of Overseas Filipino Workers, ensure prompt government action on issues affecting them, and enforce accountability among erring entities. In line with this directive, the BOC continues to strengthen its efforts to uphold transparency and responsiveness in the handling of OFW-related concerns.
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