Davao: Bureau of Customs (BOC) Commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno bared on Wednesday that the Port of Davao has completed the delivery of all 732 'balikbayan' boxes abandoned by unscrupulous freight forwarders. The milestone marks the full release of all such boxes under the port's custody. Nationwide, the BOC has delivered 35,549 balikbayan boxes, including those completed in Davao.

According to Philippines News Agency, the accomplishment forms part of a nationwide effort to expedite the release of abandoned shipments following the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. The initiative, supported by Finance Secretary Frederick D. Go, ensures prompt, direct, and cost-free delivery to overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) and their families.

Nepomuceno emphasized that more than 60 percent of the boxes have already reached OFW families and relatives, while forwarders are set to deliver the remaining units in their warehouses. He reminded the public to transact only with legitimate and accredited consolidators to avoid fraudulent service providers.

Nepomuceno disclosed that the bureau suspended 11 de-consolidators in November last year. Authorities also filed two cases against fraudulent companies for violating the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act (CMTA) and for large-scale estafa. 'We already imposed a stricter accreditation process. Very soon, we will release a list of accredited companies,' he added.

Reaffirming the BOC's commitment to OFWs, Nepomuceno assured that the agency will continue to prioritize their welfare by coordinating with concerned agencies and maintaining active help desks to address concerns promptly.