The Bureau of Customs (BOC) has formally filed criminal complaints against Makati Express Cargo, Inc. (MECI) and several of its officers over the alleged abandonment of tens of thousands of balikbayan boxes intended for families across the Philippines.
The complaints were filed on May 29, 2026, as part of the Bureau’s continuing efforts to protect Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) and hold accountable entities involved in cargo and freight forwarding operations.
According to the BOC, MECI allegedly failed to process, claim, and facilitate the release of consolidated balikbayan box shipments that arrived at the Manila International Container Port (MICP), Port of Cebu, and Port of Davao between 2024 and 2025.
BOC records revealed that 117 forty-foot containers containing around 36,826 balikbayan boxes were left unclaimed and were eventually declared “impliedly abandoned” in favor of the government under the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act (CMTA).
Of the total abandoned shipments:
- 65 containers containing approximately 19,671 boxes arrived through the MICP;
- 50 containers with around 16,431 boxes arrived through the Port of Cebu; and
- 2 containers containing about 724 boxes arrived through the Port of Davao.
Prior to filing the complaints, the BOC issued a Final Show Cause Order on October 21, 2025, directing MECI to immediately process the release of overstaying shipments and settle all corresponding duties, taxes, and lawful charges. However, the company allegedly failed to comply despite receiving the order.
As a result, the BOC revoked MECI’s registration and accreditation on January 22, 2026. The Bureau stated that the company repeatedly failed to lodge goods declarations and claim shipments within the prescribed period, leading to the abandonment of balikbayan boxes.
Several OFWs and intended recipients later sought assistance from the Bureau after their packages remained undelivered for extended periods.
The complaints filed before the Department of Justice include alleged violations of Sections 1430 and 1403 of the CMTA, along with related customs regulations governing freight forwarding, importer accreditation, and consolidated balikbayan box shipments.
The BOC also alleged that MECI misrepresented material information in its registration records, failed to properly disclose foreign consolidators, and continued accepting shipments despite prior operational deficiencies and abandoned cargoes.
Investigations further revealed that some of the company’s registered business and warehouse addresses were already non-operational while shipment activities reportedly continued.
BOC Commissioner Ariel F. Nepomuceno emphasized that the Bureau remains committed to protecting OFWs and ensuring accountability among companies transacting with the government.
“Behind every Balikbayan Box is a family waiting for a piece of home from their loved ones abroad. These boxes represent years of hard work and sacrifice. The BOC will pursue accountability and ensure that those responsible for their abandonment and non-delivery answer for their actions,” Nepomuceno said.
The BOC assured affected OFWs and recipients that it continues to coordinate with other government agencies to address the issue and pursue appropriate legal action against those responsible.
The Bureau also confirmed that efforts are ongoing to deliver abandoned balikbayan boxes to their rightful recipients, following the directive of Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and with the support of Frederick D. Go to safeguard the welfare of OFWs and their families.
