BOC clarifies treatment of balikbayan boxes

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Philippines  – Officials of the Bureau of Customs in Northern Mindanao yesterday said they would continue opening balikbayan boxes found violating the BOC rules and regulations.

 Intelligence Officer II Alvin Enciso said the balikbayan boxes of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) would not be subjected to random or physical inspection.

Enciso said instead of physical inspection, the OFW boxes would undergo mandatory X-ray scanning.

Although the agency has revised its rules and regulations on the balikbayan boxes, Enciso said it is necessary to have the shipments undergo X-ray scanning to prevent erring OFWs from smuggling goods into the country.

Deputy district commander Sa-i Roman Moscoso said BOC Commissioner Alberto Lina earlier issued a memorandum mandating a simplified procedure on OFW balikbayan boxes. 

Moscoso said the simplified procedure was meant to protect the interest of the OFWs.

He said the mandatory X-ray scanning is necessary to prevent unscrupulous individuals from using the balikbayan boxes to smuggle goods.