Customs chief Lina apologizes to OFWs

MANILA, Philippines — Customs Commissioner Alberto Lina on Thursday apologized to overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) for the recent issue on balikbayan boxes.

During the Senate committee on ways and means hearing on balikbayan boxes, Lina admitted that the Bureau of Customs (BOC) has opened boxes from the United States.

Lina added that the bureau has also inspected five containers from Hong Kong.

"Ako'y nag-so-sorry kung mayroon kaming natapakan d'yan. Hindi kami nantatapak sa mga OFW. I give my 200 (percent) support for them. Hintayin ninyo ang bago naming procedures," Lina said.

The Customs chief said that the bureau conducted the physical inspections in able to detect smuggled goods.

The BOC on Wednesday released a new memo which bans the random physical inspection of balikbayan boxes.

Balikbayan boxes will instead undergo mandatory X-ray scanning. The BOC will also acquire K-9 units and install CCTVs in all authorized inspection and examination areas.

President Benigno Aquino III earlier ordered the BOC to stop conducting random physical inspections of balikbayan boxes.