MANILA – The Bureau of Customs on Thursday said it has turned over 2,954 abandoned balikbayan boxes to the Department of Migrant Workers that were left unclaimed in Davao after being mishandled. 

In a release, the BOC said they declared the boxes forfeited after the Department of Finance approved their request. These were donated afterwards to DMW. 

DMW coordinating with BOC for release of undistributed Balikbayan boxes

“The DMW will now take charge of ensuring that the boxes finally reach their rightful recipients,” the bureau said.

Francis Ron De Guzman, DMW’s Assistant Secretary for Reintegration, thanked the BOC for their cooperation and for ensuring that the balikbayan boxes would be returned to their intended beneficiaries.

“The Bureau of Customs has always been there from day one to day zero, assisting us, helping us to deliver the symbol of hope, symbol of love to the overseas Filipino workers and their families,” he said.

A logistics company has been tapped for the distribution, according to the BOC.

“This ensures that the boxes will be handled with care and reach their rightful owners in the soonest possible time,” the BOC said.

BOC vows abandoned 'Balikbayan' boxes will be distributed immediately

The agency said this was the result of months of “sustained coordination” with several agencies and the DMW since 2024.

The BOC also said they ensured the abandoned boxes would be released lawfully and properly.