THE Bureau of Customs (BOC) is coordinating with relevant government agencies to raise awareness among overseas Filipinos on the proper procedure for sending balikbayan boxes into the country.

In a Bagong Pilipinas Ngayon briefing Monday, Customs Assistant Commissioner Vincent Philip Maronilla said they are closely working with the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) and the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) for an extensive information campaign to address complaints of abandoned balikbayan boxes.

“Kadalasan, ang problema dito are issues on information. Ibig sabihin hindi alam ng ating mga kababayan kung ano yun mga requirements na kinakailangan pag magpapadala sila dito,” the BOC official added.

He added that part of the information campaign was providing a list of consolidators and de-consolidators who have a good record with the bureau.

“Baka pwedeng tingnan itong mga consolidators at de-consolidators na ito. Ngayon kung gusto nila maghanap ng iba dahil mas mura, magkakaroon ng information drive ang Bureau of Customs, DTI at NTC para malaman nila ano ba mga criteria dapat tinitingnan nila hindi lang presyo,” he explained.

Maronilla also advised the OFWs to always check the background and track record of the company that will handle their packages.

He added that OFWs who would want to avail of cheaper services by fly-by-night consolidators might encounter problems with their packages later on.

“These consolidators, without the necessary reputation and track records, hindi maasikaso ang kanilang shipment. Pagdating, inabandona, dito na mamroblema ang ating kababayan kung paano kunin ang kanilang balikbayan box,” he added.

In January, the BOC identified 16 local and foreign forwarders/consolidators/de-consolidators that have been reported as having cases of abandoned balikbayan boxes.

In October last year, the bureau released hundreds of abandoned balikbayan boxes that were stuck in several warehouses for seven months up to two years. Philippine News Agency

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