Abandoned balikbayan boxes are delivered to their recipients in the Philippines on April 21, 2026. BOC

The Bureau of Customs (BOC) has intensified efforts to deliver thousands of abandoned balikbayan boxes to overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) and their families, as part of a nationwide initiative to resolve long-standing shipment delays. In a recent update, the BOC said it facilitated the distribution of abandoned balikbayan boxes under the custody of the Manila International Container Port (MICP) on April 21, in line with directives from Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to safeguard the welfare of Filipinos working abroad. The initiative targets shipments left unclaimed due to issues involving unscrupulous freight forwarders, which have caused delays for years. Earlier this year, the Department of Finance (DOF) and BOC began the final wave of distribution, covering tens of thousands of packages. Finance Secretary Frederick Go and Customs Commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno led the turnover of the first batch to 28 OFWs and their families at the Port Area in Manila. The first phase, launched on December 18, 2025, involved 68 containers carrying 20,944 balikbayan boxes, of which 14,305 have already been delivered door-to-door. The final phase includes 72 containers estimated to contain 24,536 boxes. Authorities said 14 containers have been released from MICP, while 58 remain under processing pending clearances and waived port charges. In March, the DOF confirmed that 25,818 boxes abandoned in Manila and Davao ports had been successfully delivered to families. "The Bureau of Customs and Department of Finance, with the Department of Migrant Workers, are continuing to help deliver abandoned boxes to OFW families,” Go said, adding that government agencies continue to assist in returning abandoned boxes to families. He said authorities are working to ensure that all remaining shipments reach their rightful recipients and that those responsible for irregularities are held accountable. Customs Commissioner Nepomuceno said the BOC is prioritising the completion of deliveries, particularly in MICP and the Port of Cebu. In Davao, the BOC confirmed it has completed the delivery of all 732 abandoned boxes under its custody. “Almost three years delayed, but this time we solved their problem. All 147 containers were released,” Nepomuceno said. Nationwide, the BOC reported that 35,549 balikbayan boxes have already been delivered, with more than 60 percent reaching OFW families. Authorities also disclosed that 11 deconsolidators were suspended last year, while legal cases have been filed against companies accused of violating customs laws and committing large-scale fraud. The government has urged the public to remain vigilant and transact only with legitimate cargo forwarders to avoid similar issues.

Guide: What to do if your balikbayan box is abandoned

Report immediately: Contact the BOC through its Customer Assistance and Response Service (BOC-CARES): • Hotline: (02) 8705-6000 • Email: boc.cares@customs.gov.ph • Alternative email: bayanibox@customs.gov.ph Coordinate with authorities: OFWs may also seek assistance from the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW), which works with the National Bureau of Investigation on complaints against fraudulent cargo firms. Prepare key details: • Bill of Lading (BL) number or container number • Tracking or invoice number • Forwarding company name (origin and Philippine partner) • Shipping date and box contents Track your shipment: Monitor updates via official BOC tracking tools and announcements. Prevention tips: • Verify cargo companies through official BOC listings • Avoid unusually cheap shipping offers, which may indicate scams ICA/CAM/Expat Media
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