Customs starts delivering abandoned balikbayan boxes for free

The Bureau of Customs (BOC) is now delivering balikbayan boxes that have piled up at its warehouses after being abandoned by courier companies that have sent them in the country.

According to JP Soriano's report on "24 Oras," the abandoned balikbayan boxes were released through the efforts of the BOC and local door-to-door delivery companies.  The delivery service is for free.

Families who have been waiting for months were happy to finally receive the packages from their loved ones.

“Wala na po dapat silang bayaran at kung meron pong co-contact sa kanila, mag-engage lang sila doon sa official na app namin, mga official na tao namin. We will be using official platforms lang po,” Michael Fermin, Customs administration office director, said.

The BOC said it had to open a few packages to ascertain if they indeed came from the container with the abandoned balikbayan boxes.

Witnesses and consignee representatives were present when the boxes were opened. The inspectors wore body cameras as they closed and secured the packages afterward.

The BOC also ordered that the boxes need not go through 100% inspection to speed up the process.—Sherylin Untalan/LDF, GMA News