The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) has provided financial relief to 15 overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) from the Ilocos Region who fell victim to a widespread “balikbayan box” scam, officials said Wednesday.
Each worker received 30,000 Philippine pesos (approximately $510) in cash assistance from the DMW’s Aksyon Fund, according to Assistant Director Romeo Jaramilla, the officer-in-charge for DMW’s Ilocos Region office. The funds aim to alleviate the financial burden caused by the loss of balikbayan boxes—packages often filled with gifts, personal items, and essentials sent by OFWs to their families in the Philippines.
“They are listed as those who have lost balikbayan boxes based on the list provided by the Bureau of Customs,” Jaramilla said in a phone interview. The DMW proactively contacted the affected workers and processed the necessary documentation to facilitate the aid.
The balikbayan box scam has plagued Filipino migrant workers, with some boxes reported missing, stolen, or undelivered. Jaramilla noted that three additional OFWs recently reported similar issues, claiming their boxes never reached their intended destinations. These cases have been referred to the DMW’s main office for verification of eligibility for assistance.
“We are still investigating the whereabouts of the boxes,” Jaramilla said, underscoring ongoing efforts to address the scam and support affected workers.
The Aksyon Fund, a key initiative of the DMW, provides comprehensive support to OFWs, including legal representation, repatriation assistance, medical care, and aid during employment crises. The department continues to encourage affected workers to report issues with their balikbayan boxes to regional offices for further action.
