Amid the expected influx of balikbayan boxes sent by overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) during the upcoming holiday season, the Bureau of Customs (BOC) is urged to keep balikbayan boxes safe specifically by not tampering them.
Senator Sonny Angara, the author of Customs Modernization and Tariff Act (CMTA) which seeks to protect balikbayan boxes within the Customs, reminded BOC officials to follow imposed regulations following the complaints of many OFWs regarding stolen and damaged items inside their boxes, reported Inquirer.
Under the law, several rules are needed to be followed by BOC officials to protect the balikbayan boxes. Among these rules include limiting the inspection of the boxes to a few employees, limiting the operation of X-ray machines to trained customs officials only, and installment of CCTVs in warehouses.
“Pangalagaan at respetuhin sana natin ang mga pinaghirapan at pinag-ipunan ng ating mga kababayan abroad para ipadala sa kanilang mga pamilya dito sa bansa,” Angara said.
The Customs expects about 800,000 balikbayan boxes to be sent to the country during the Christmas season.
