BOC files complaint vs Makati Express Cargo over abandoned balikbayan boxes

MANILA, Philippines – The Bureau of Customs (BOC) on Friday, May 29, filed criminal complaints against a Cavite-based cargo firm for abandoning over 100 containers holding balikbayan boxes.

According to the BOC, Makati Express Cargo Incorporated (MECI) abandoned 147 44-foot containers with 36,826 balikbayan boxes meant for Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) and their families.

MECI is among 11 companies being investigated for abandoning balikbayan boxes at several ports nationwide.

BOC Commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno said at a press conference that MECI was the first to be charged since it had the most abandoned containers. The complaints are linked to alleged violations of customs regulations, as well as the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act.

“They outright left and did not pay (duties and taxes) even after charging their clients,” he said.

The BOC noted that it issued a final show-cause order to MECI in October, directing the cargo firm to process the release of their overstaying shipments and settle any taxes due.

“The BOC likewise revoked MECI’s registration with the bureau on January 22, 2026 after finding that the company repeatedly failed, without valid justification, to lodge goods declarations and claim its shipments within the prescribed period,” it said in a separate statement.

The customs bureau further noted allegations that MECI misrepresented information in its registration records, and that many of the company’s warehouse and business addresses were no longer operational.

Nepomuceno said that affected OFWs are preparing to file large-scale estafa with cybercrime against MECI. – Rappler.com