Abandoned ‘balikbayan’ boxes in Port of Davao can now be claimed. (Photo from Bureau of Customs)
MANILA, Philippines — Unclaimed balikbayan boxes at the Port of Davao and Sub-Port of Dadiangas can now be collected, said the Bureau of Customs (BOC) on Wednesday.
According to the BOC, these boxes were from “unscrupulous consolidators” or forwarding companies that did not coordinate with the families of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs), therefore they were not able to process the boxes’ release from Customs.
“The balikbayan boxes at the Port of Davao can be claimed at Panabo Bypass Road, Brgy. Cagangohan, Panabo City, and at JJM Warehouse, Banisil, Brgy. Tambler, Gen. Santos City for the Sub-Port of Dadiangas,” said the BOC.
The bureau added that the boxes are available for collection from Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5 p.m., except during holidays.
“No fees will be charged, but claimants will need to present two valid government-issued IDs, proof of shipping documents, a photocopy of the sender’s passport, and an authorization letter if boxes are received by their representatives,” said the BOC.
As of the BOC’s latest count, 70 out of 282 unclaimed boxes were released at the Port of Davao and 92 out of 1,002 packages were claimed at the port of Sub-Port of Dadiangas.