Manila: The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) warned overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) and their families about the rising number of "balikbayan" boxes abandoned by forwarders. In a Facebook post on Tuesday, the DMW advised OFWs to consistently verify the status of their freight forwarders. This comes as the Bureau of Customs (BOC) published a list of local and foreign forwarding companies associated with the mishandling and abandonment of boxes containing gifts, supplies, or personal items sent to their families.

According to Philippines News Agency, the BOC shared a list of local and foreign forwarding companies that have been reported for abandoning balikbayan boxes. The list aims to inform and ensure the safety of the public. It includes foreign forwarders or consolidators such as Kabayan Island Express Cargo, Allwin Cargo LLC, Manila Cargo, Mediacom Express Cargo, and several others known for having the most recorded incidents of abandoned parcels.

The list also identifies local forwarders or consolidators like FBV Forwarders and Logistics, Inc., Cargoflex Haulers Corporation, Rensworld Freight Logistics Corporation, and other companies. The DMW emphasized the importance of choosing only accredited and reliable forwarding companies for shipping balikbayan boxes.

To safeguard themselves, the DMW advised OFWs sending balikbayan boxes to engage only with trusted and well-reviewed freight forwarders. They should verify the company's legitimacy through the Department of Trade and Industry-Fair Trade Enforcement Bureau website. Additionally, it recommended that senders keep records such as photos, receipts, and shipping documents, create a detailed inventory of the items being shipped, maintain constant communication with the freight forwarder, and track shipments using container numbers, bills of lading, and port of destination information.

The DMW also cautioned that while some freight forwarders may offer lower fees, these can be potential indicators of illegitimate operations.