The Bureau of Customs (BOC), under the leadership of Commissioner Ariel F. Nepomuceno, has filed a second batch of criminal complaints with the Department of Justice (DOJ) against five cargo forwarding companies allegedly involved in fraudulent balikbayan box operations.
The firms facing charges are:
- Ikthus Trading Corporation
- Marcelo D. Laylo Cargo Forwarders
- Me Amoree International Consumer Goods Trading
- MT De Guzman Non-Specialized Wholesale Trading
- Cargoflex Haulers Corporation
More list of Cargo BOC Files Charges Against Cargo Firm Over Abandoned Balikbayan Boxes
The complaints stem from the discovery of 3,176 abandoned balikbayan boxes in various ports across the country. Investigations revealed alleged violations including fraudulent misdeclaration and undervaluation of goods, unauthorized deconsolidation activities, smuggling, non-declaration of commercial items, importation of prohibited and regulated products, and intellectual property rights violations.
This latest action follows the first batch of criminal complaints filed on May 29, 2026, against Makati Express Cargo, Inc.. Those cases were initiated by the Ports of Cebu, Davao, and the Manila International Container Port.
According to Commissioner Nepomuceno, the Bureau remains firm in its commitment to protecting Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) and ensuring accountability among cargo operators who abuse the balikbayan box system.
“This second batch of cases demonstrates our determination to hold violators accountable. We will continue investigating, building cases, and filing appropriate complaints against cargo operators involved in deception and other fraudulent activities that harm our OFWs and their families,” he said.
The BOC emphasized that these complaints are part of its ongoing enforcement campaign. Additional investigations are underway, and more cases are expected to be filed as evidence is gathered and evaluated.
Beyond criminal prosecution, the Bureau continues to strengthen oversight of cargo consolidators and deconsolidators, improve assistance programs for OFWs, and enhance coordination with partner agencies to address issues involving delayed, abandoned, or mishandled balikbayan box shipments.
The BOC urges OFWs to transact only with legitimate and accredited cargo forwarders to help ensure the safe and timely delivery of their hard-earned balikbayan boxes to their loved ones.
