Bureau of Customs Successfully Delivers All Abandoned Balikbayan Boxes in Davao
In a significant development for overseas Filipino workers (OFWs), the Bureau of Customs (BOC)–Port of Davao has officially completed the delivery of all 732 balikbayan boxes that were abandoned at the port by unscrupulous freight forwarders. This announcement was made by BOC Commissioner Ariel F. Nepomuceno during a meeting with OFWs and their families on April 8, 2026, at the BOC-Port of Davao in Sasa, Davao City.
Longstanding Abandonment Issues Addressed
Commissioner Nepomuceno revealed in an interview with local media that some of these abandoned balikbayan boxes had been left at the port for as long as three years, with the shortest period of abandonment being eight months. Upon assuming office in July of the previous year, he immediately ordered an inspection in September and discovered the prolonged delays. "Supposedly, balikbayan boxes would arrive at the recipients’ houses within one or two months, because those are still being shipped," he explained, highlighting the deviation from standard delivery timelines.
Legal Actions and Suspensions Implemented
To address the negligence, the BOC has suspended the operations of 11 deconsolidators or partner cargo handlers in the Philippines for failing to deliver the balikbayan boxes to their intended recipients. Nepomuceno signed the suspension order in November 2025, effectively barring these companies from conducting any transactions with the Bureau of Customs. Additionally, the agency, with assistance from the Department of Justice (DOJ) and the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), is pursuing two cases against these deconsolidators:
- Violation of the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act (CMTA): For failing to fulfill their obligations under customs regulations.
- Criminal case for large-scale estafa: Filed through the DOJ and NBI to build a stronger legal foundation.
Nepomuceno emphasized, "We have already suspended them—I signed the suspension order as early as November 2025. The 11 deconsolidators operating in the Philippines can no longer conduct transactions or do business with the Bureau of Customs." The list of these delinquent deconsolidators is available on the BOC's website for public reference.
OFW Community Applauds Government Efforts
During the same event, Gerlyn Acedo-Ogong, president of the OFW-Rise as One Association and OFW-Global Movement for Empowerment, praised the BOC's initiative. She stressed that balikbayan boxes are not mere pasalubongs but represent the "blood and sweat" of OFWs who work hard to save money for their families in the Philippines. "Balikbayan boxes are very important to OFWs because they are not easy to fill; they really work hard to save money to buy items to put inside them for their loved ones here in the Philippines. That is why the government should truly give proper attention to this problem," Ogong stated.
Door-to-Door Delivery and Nationwide Impact
The BOC implemented a door-to-door delivery system for the abandoned balikbayan boxes, ensuring that OFWs received their packages without any additional costs. Commissioner Nepomuceno assured that the agency is strengthening measures to protect citizens, collaborating with concerned agencies, developing policies to prevent similar incidents, and maintaining active help desks and dialogue platforms with OFWs to expedite services. Nationwide, a total of 35,549 balikbayan boxes have been delivered, with the Port of Davao, under District Collector Maita S. Acevedo, recognized for its effective coordination and timely implementation.
Reminder to the Public
The Bureau of Customs reminded the public to transact only with legitimate and accredited consolidators and to remain vigilant against fraudulent service providers. As an agency under the Department of Finance, the BOC is tasked with collecting customs duties, enforcing laws, preventing smuggling, and facilitating international trade, reaffirming its commitment to timely and people-centered service for OFWs and all Filipinos.
