MANILA – The Bureau of Customs (BOC), together with the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) and the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW), conducted an inspection on Monday at the Manila International Container Port (MICP) to address abandoned balikbayan boxes and ensure accountability in their handling.

The activity was led by BOC Commissioner Ariel F. Nepomuceno, joined by Officer-in-Charge Atty. Angelito Magno, Chief Atty. Palmer Mallari, Atty. Rugy De Veyra of the NBI, DMW Undersecretary Bernard Olalia, and MICP District Collector Atty. Felipe Geoffrey K. De Vera. The inspection focused on containers abandoned by deconsolidators, which had caused concern among affected Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) and their families.

During the inspection, Commissioner Nepomuceno announced the suspension of the privileges of the companies responsible for abandoning the shipments, barring them from transacting business with the BOC in the future.

“The most important thing now is to hold accountable those who made mistakes or intentionally failed to deliver, abandoning their obligation to the OFWs,” Nepomuceno said, emphasizing that neglecting responsibilities toward OFWs will not be tolerated.

The NBI’s presence underscored the BOC’s commitment to investigate the circumstances behind the abandoned boxes and gather information for possible legal action, while the DMW witnessed the proceedings to ensure the shipments are properly returned to beneficiaries.

Prior to the inspection, the BOC assisted affected OFWs in filing complaints with the NBI in December 2025.

As of January 23, 2026, the BOC has released 66 containers, with deliveries ongoing. Once all legal documents are completed, 74 remaining containers will be released to logistics partners for sorting and delivery. To date, a total of 8,020 boxes have been successfully delivered to their rightful recipients.

The joint inspection aligns with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to prioritize the welfare of OFWs, ensure swift government action on related issues, and enforce accountability among erring entities. The BOC said it will continue to strengthen efforts to uphold transparency and responsiveness in handling OFW concerns.