Ched Rick Gatchalian

Overseas Filipino Workers, together with officials from the Bureau of Customs, faced NBI OIC Director Lito Magno to file criminal complaints against cargo forwarders accused of holding their balikbayan boxes.

Article (news)

OFWs cry for justice over held balikbayan boxes, NBI launches probe

Zyann Ambrosio

ABS-CBN News

<p>MANILA — Overseas Filipino Workers, together with officials from the Bureau of Customs, faced NBI OIC Director Lito Magno to file criminal complaints against cargo forwarders accused of holding their balikbayan boxes.</p><p>Magno has assigned agents to lead the investigation into forwarders allegedly responsible for the delays.</p><div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/nation/2025/5/29/nearly-3k-abandoned-balikbayan-boxes-turned-over-to-dmw-1825">Nearly 3K ‘abandoned’ balikbayan boxes turned over to DMW</a></div><p>According to Customs Deputy Commissioner for the International Administration Group Michael Fermin, the recommended charges include large-scale estafa.</p><p>“The real delay happened because the duties were not processed and not paid. Why are we pursuing criminal charges? First, this involves more than 10,000 OFWs abroad. If we count the boxes—three, four, or even six per person—we have 52,000 boxes. That’s equivalent to 130 containers. So roughly 10,000 to 12,000 people are affected,” Fermin said.</p><p>“Under our laws, this qualifies as large-scale estafa because it involves significant amounts and thousands of victims,” he added.</p><p>The NBI assured OFWs that the agency will hold all responsible parties accountable.</p><div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/10/28/23/boc-vows-abandoned-balikbayan-boxes-will-be-distributed-swiftly">BOC vows abandoned &#x27;Balikbayan&#x27; boxes will be distributed immediately</a></div><p>“We must protect our modern-day heroes. We will give all the support needed to safeguard their rights and hard work. We will begin this investigation to determine the root cause, and whoever needs to be held liable, based on gathered evidence, will be made accountable,” said Magno.</p>

<p>Overseas Filipino workers, together with officials from the Bureau of Customs, faced NBI OIC Director Lito Magno to file criminal complaints against cargo forwarders accused of holding their balikbayan boxes.</p>

Overseas Filipino workers, together with officials from the Bureau of Customs, faced NBI OIC Director Lito Magno to file criminal complaints against cargo forwarders accused of holding their balikbayan boxes.

OFWs file complaint against cargo forwarders holding balikbayan boxes

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OFWs file complaint against cargo forwarders holding balikbayan boxes

Zyann Ambrosio,

ABS-CBN News

Published Dec 04, 2025 07:56 PM PHT

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National Bureau of Investigation

Bureau of Customs

NBI

BOC

OFW

Balikbayan box

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