Manila: The Bureau of Customs (BOC) has announced the successful delivery of all balikbayan boxes that were abandoned by cargo handlers at the Ports of Manila and Davao. This significant operation ensures that the intended recipients, primarily families of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs), receive their packages.

According to Philippines News Agency, a total of 25,818 balikbayan boxes were turned over to the families of OFWs. Finance Secretary Frederick Go emphasized the collaborative efforts of the Bureau of Customs, the Department of Finance (DOF), and the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) in returning these abandoned boxes to their rightful owners. During a distribution event at the Port of Cebu, Go stated the government's commitment to ensuring each box reaches its owner and holding accountable those responsible for any mishandling.

BOC Commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno highlighted the priority given to the speedy delivery of the remaining boxes. He assured the public that the BOC is focusing efforts on the Manila International Container Port (MICP) and the Port of Cebu to complete the deliveries. According to data from the DOF, 13,842 boxes have been released in Cebu, 8,475 at the MICP, 2,699 in Subic, 732 in Davao, and 70 at the Port of Manila.

As of now, 15,084 boxes are still scheduled for release, with the majority coming from MICP (14,487) and a smaller number from Cebu (498). The recent distribution marks the final stage of delivering the remaining boxes that were abandoned at the Port of Cebu. In light of these events, Go advised the public to remain vigilant and only engage with legitimate box forwarding companies to avoid similar issues in the future.