Cebu Families Finally Receive Long-Awaited Balikbayan Boxes as Government Completes Nationwide Operation
In a significant development for overseas Filipino workers and their families, thirty households in Cebu have finally received their long-awaited balikbayan boxes. This delivery marks a crucial milestone in a comprehensive nationwide operation led by the Bureau of Customs (BOC) and the Department of Finance (DOF), which has successfully returned 25,818 abandoned boxes to their intended recipients across the country.
Ceremonial Turnover in Cebu Marks Final Stage of Distribution
On Tuesday, March 24, 2026, Finance Secretary Frederick Go and BOC Commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno personally oversaw the ceremonial turnover of these abandoned boxes at the Cebu Port Authority Sports Complex in the North Reclamation Area. This event in Cebu represents the final phase of returning shipments that were left unclaimed by various freight forwarders, with an impressive 13,842 boxes already delivered locally throughout the region.
Finance Secretary Go emphasized the government's unwavering commitment to protecting the hard-earned packages sent by overseas Filipino workers. "The Bureau of Customs and the Department of Finance, together with the Department of Migrant Workers, continue to assist in returning abandoned boxes to families. We will not allow our OFWs to be deceived," Go stated firmly during the ceremony.
Completion of Deliveries and Remaining Distribution Efforts
Commissioner Nepomuceno provided important updates regarding the distribution progress, noting that while the agency has successfully completed deliveries at the Port of Manila and Port of Davao, they have made a firm commitment to prioritize the remaining boxes at Cebu ports until every single one is delivered to its rightful owner. Currently, there are 498 boxes in Cebu still scheduled for distribution, and authorities are working diligently to ensure these reach their intended beneficiaries as quickly as possible.
Government Warning Against Fraudulent Freight Forwarders
Both Go and Nepomuceno issued strong advisories to overseas Filipino workers, their families, and the general public to conduct business only with legitimate freight forwarding companies to prevent future delays or losses. "If it is too good to be true, then it is not true," Go cautioned, highlighting the importance of vigilance when selecting shipping services.
Nepomuceno revealed that the BOC has taken proactive measures by publishing a comprehensive list of accredited companies with proven track records on its official website. Simultaneously, the agency has issued warnings against eleven specific firms identified as being involved in alleged fraudulent practices related to balikbayan box shipments.
Legal Actions and Future Safeguards
The Department of Finance and Bureau of Customs announced that criminal complaints will be formally filed against these eleven companies in the coming weeks. Furthermore, the agencies have committed to pursuing legal action against freight forwarders based outside the country who have engaged in similar deceptive practices.
Finance Secretary Go explained that these legal measures will serve as a powerful deterrent to other freight forwarding companies, sending a clear message that fraudulent practices will not be tolerated. This comprehensive approach aims to create a more secure and reliable system for the millions of overseas Filipino workers who depend on these services to send gifts and essentials to their loved ones back home.
