OFW complains of mishandled balikbayan box

An overseas Filipino worker (OFW) has accused a cargo forwarding company of mishandling the balikbayan boxes he sent to his loved ones in the Philippines, GMA News' Jun Veneracion reported on 24 Oras on Monday.

Ferdinand Acupan, who arrived from Dubai in the United Arab Emirates, said the cargo that he sent "looked like garbage" when it arrived in the Philippines.

"Parang nagkalkal na lang ako ng basura doon sa box," he said. "Galing abroad, pinadala mo rito as basura na lang."

The report said very few items from Acupan's cargo could still be used, as most, specifically the lotions and liquid detergents, have damaged containers.

"So sobrang balibag po siguro ng mga box kaya siguro nagkaganyan," he said.

The report said Acupan's girlfriend, who is also from Dubai, also had the same experience with her cargo.

The report identified the Dubai-based forwarding company involved as Makati Express Cargo.

GMA News went to the Philippine company that accepted the cargo from Dubai. According to its representatives, Acupan's cargo was soaking wet when it was unloaded in their warehouse.

The company said it has repeatedly advised OFWs not to include liquid items and lotions in their packages as they could burst from their containers when the balikbayan box is placed under a heavier cargo.

But according to Acupan, it was not the first time that they sent liquid items to the Philippines. "Three times na kami nagpadala sa kanila so akala namin okay," he said.

The forwarding company advised OFWs to place liquid items in plastic containers before placing them inside the box so that they will not be crushed.

Acupan, on the other hand, said forwarding companies should be careful in handling balikbayan boxes.

"Pinagpaguran namin ang pera na 'yan, dapat nagkaroon sila ng care sa mga customer nila na nagpapadala sa kanila," he said. —KBK, GMA News