Families of overseas Filipino workers are set to finally receive long-delayed balikbayan boxes after government authorities moved to process dozens of shipping containers left abandoned by freight handlers.
According to the Bureau of Customs, a total of 21 containers containing personal shipments from OFWs are now under release, with 15 already cleared as of this week. The remaining containers are scheduled to be processed so deliveries can continue nationwide.
Customs officials said the backlog stemmed from the failure of certain deconsolidators and freight forwarders to carry out their delivery obligations, even after collecting full payment from workers overseas. These lapses left boxes stranded in ports for extended periods, affecting families who had been waiting for months.
To address accountability, bureau representatives accompanied affected OFWs in filing formal complaints before the National Bureau of Investigation on December 4, seeking action against the companies involved.
Deliveries of the recovered boxes began on December 18 and are being carried out at no cost to recipients. Authorities said distribution is expected to continue through early January 2026, covering destinations across the country.
The initiative is being implemented with the backing of Ferdinand Marcos Jr., who has expressed support for government measures aimed at assisting Filipino workers affected by fraudulent and negligent freight forwarding operations.
Customs has also rolled out an online tracking portal to allow the public to monitor the status of door-to-door deliveries, accessible through its official website, while reiterating its advice for Filipinos abroad to verify the legitimacy of freight forwarders and be wary of unusually low shipping offers.
