11 forwarders to face charges over ‘stranded’ balikbayan boxes
Regulators in Cebu are set to file large-scale estafa and cybercrime complaints against 11 freight forwarders. These companies are accused of failing to deliver "balikbayan boxes" to their rightful recipients, leaving thousands of packages stranded in various ports, including Cebu. Finance Secretary Frederick Go and Customs Commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno personally oversaw the distribution of the last batch of boxes, signaling a serious crackdown on these fraudulent activities that affect Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs).
The Bureau of Customs (BOC) and Department of Finance (DOF) are preparing to file criminal charges of large-scale estafa through cybercrime against 11 freight forwarding firms for abandoning thousands of balikbayan boxes at the Port of Cebu. These companies allegedly collected approximately P330 million from overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) by offering low shipping rates through social media promotions, but failed to pay necessary port, shipping, and customs fees upon arrival in the Philippines, leaving shipments stranded. The charges were scheduled to be filed by March 27, 2025, in coordination with the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI).
Customs Commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno announced that the 11 companies would face charges for large-scale estafa through cybercrime, with their licenses already suspended to prevent further BOC transactions. The BOC has published a list of these flagged companies on its website, warning the public to avoid them. Among the identified firms is Makati Express Cargo Inc., though the complete list of all 11 companies was made publicly available to protect consumers from fraudulent operators.
Finance Secretary Frederick Go and Customs Commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno personally oversaw the distribution of the last batch of stranded balikbayan boxes in Cebu in March 2025, where they handed over 30 boxes to OFW families. This followed a nationwide effort that delivered 25,818 abandoned boxes, with Cebu processing 13,842 out of 14,279 boxes. Approximately 498 boxes remained in Cebu awaiting delivery, while 15,084 boxes were still at the Manila International Container Port (MICP).
The government is implementing additional measures to prevent similar incidents, including pursuing foreign partners of these forwarders through diplomatic channels and proposing a P2-million bond requirement for freight forwarder accreditation to deter fly-by-night operators. Secretary Go emphasized the government's commitment to protecting OFWs from deception and ensuring their packages reach intended recipients, while holding accountable those responsible for misconduct. This crackdown aligns with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s directive to expedite the release of stranded balikbayan boxes and safeguard OFW remittances and shipments.
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