DMW: 95% of abandoned balikbayan boxes now delivered to OFW families

About 95 percent of deliveries for balikbayan boxes abandoned by cargo forwarding companies have been completed, the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) said.

In a press briefing, DMW Assistant Secretary Francis de Guzman said the boxes were part of the 12 containers donated by the Bureau of Customs (BOC) in May, which arrived in Davao and comprised about 2,500 boxes.

De Guzman said the remaining five percent are still being delivered to consignees or OFW relatives due to logistical issues.

“Because of the long period that has passed, some OFWs no longer live at the same address and their contact details have changed,” he said.

A large backlog involving 80 to 90 containers was left undelivered by cargo forwarder “Makati Express,” whose operations have been suspended. De Guzman said the DMW will soon release names of forwarding companies involved in similar cases.

The DMW has been handling abandoned boxes dating back to late 2023 and 2024 left behind by cargo companies.

De Guzman said several shipments were stuck for an extended period of time because some forwarders “simply left” their cargo in warehouses or did not complete the paperwork needed for release.

These boxes were turned over to the DMW as a government-to-government donation after the BOC completed legal processes for the abandoned shipments. De Guzman clarified that under Philippine law, the government cannot immediately retrieve such packages.

“Because of the long period that has passed, some OFWs no longer live at the same address and their contact details have changed,” he reiterated.

Under the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act, goods are considered abandoned only if the owner fails to file a goods declaration on time, fails to pay duties within 15 days of assessment, or fails to claim the cargo within 30 days after payment.

Shipments may also be considered abandoned if they overstay in bonded warehouses.

Prolonged storage has affected the condition of some boxes, but the DMW said they have repacked boxes to preserve their appearance and dignity upon delivery.

An earlier batch from the second quarter of 2024 composed of around 9,000 boxes has also been processed with the BOC.

A succeeding set of four containers at the Port of Manila is also set for release, with shipments expected next week.