Update: BOC stops random checks on balikbayan boxes

MANILA -- The Bureau of Customs (BOC) will no longer randomly open balikbayan boxes, the bureau announced Monday night after President Benigno Aquino III has given instructions for the Bureau of Customs to stop the physical inspections of balikbayan boxes unless X-ray and K-9 examinations give rise to suspicions that they contain prohibited items.

The decision was made after President Aquino met with Customs chief Alberto Lina and Cesar Purisima monday night.

According to bureau Pnoy emphasized that OFW families view the balikbayan box as an integral part of the family relationship to nurture loved ones at home and as a tangible sign of their love and concern for their family members.

To prevent tampering or theft of the content of balikbayan boxes, Pnoy ordered the Bureau of Customs to immediately that Only in cases where there are derogatory findings from the x-ray or K-9 examination will there be a physical inspection of goods.

Pnoy also said that it should request that an Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) representative or a designated officer of an OFW Association be present with provisions for CCTV monitoring of the inspection areas.

The BOC warned that government employees who violate these protocols and steal from care packages will face criminal charges.

"We encourage the public to submit videos and photographic evidence of illegal acts to the Commissioner of Customs," it said.

Watch the phone interview of Jessica Soho with Customs Chief Alberto Lina:

BOC stops randow checking of balikbayan Boxes
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Posted by Latest News Channel PH on Monday, August 24, 2015

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From: abs-cbnnews, gmanews