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Balikbayans assured of hassle-free treatment

11/17/2007

The Bureau of Customs (BoC) yesterday assured balikbayans and returning overseas Filipino workers (OFWs), who are expected to arrive in droves to spend Christmas with their loved ones in the country, of hassle-free arrival at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Customs area.

“We would also like to advise our kababayans not to insert money in the Customs declaration form which the passengers present at the Customs area,” Customs deputy commissioner for intelligence Celso Templo said.

“It is sad to note that many balikbayans and returning OFWs perceive that Customs personnel at the airport are corrupt and would confiscate their baggage if they do not give money to them,” the former NAIA district collector said.

However, it would be a different thing if they are hiding something illegal inside their luggage, he added.

“Our Customs personnel are courteous and ready to assist without asking for any payment. We are serving the public with a smile and not only to our kababayans but to foreign visitors as well,” Templo said.

Meanwhile, the Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) is preparing a festive welcome for thousands of balikbayans and OFWs who are expected to come home in the first week of December.

MIAA general manager Alfonso Cusi said special gifts, Filipino Christmas songs and other surprises await returning OFWs at the NAIA as a tribute to their contributions in helping improve the country’s economy.

Conrado Ching