THE Philippine Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has endorsed to the Department of Justice (DOJ) four other complaints on undelivered balikbayan (personal effects) boxes against Pacific Logistics International Cargo, The Filipino Cargo International, and Ludebar Jakosalem for investigation.
Based on the complainants’ affidavits, Jakosalem is the known contact person of Pacific Logistics and The Filipino Cargo, both of which are consolidators of balikbayan boxes in Kuwait for shipment and delivery to consignees in the Philippines.
Pacific Logistics and The Filipino Cargo, with the same known office address at 567 General Luna Street, Guinayang, San Mateo, Rizal, were formally charged by the DTI-Philippine Shippers Bureau (DTI-PSB) for engaging in freight forwarding without PSB-accreditation and for failing to deliver balikbayan boxes to their rightful consignees.
However, despite the formal charge and issuance of summons, notice of hearings, and order to deliver the cargo, the respondents neither filed an answer nor appeared at the scheduled hearings.
The DTI Consumer Arbitration Office declared both companies in default and found them liable for the charges against them. They were ordered to stop operations permanently, submit a written voluntary assurance of compliance with the DTI decision and pay an administrative penalty of P70,000 each.
“After imposing the administrative sanctions, we are seeking DOJ’s assistance to conduct appropriate preliminary investigation on these freight forwarders so they can be criminally charged for swindling or estafa,” DTI-PSB director-in-charge Atty. Victorio Mario Dimagiba explained.
“We also hope that the National Bureau of Investigation, as an attached agency of DOJ, could help in locating and compelling the perpetrators of this wrongdoing to face charges against them,” Dimagiba said.
“DTI will continue to guard the interest of our overseas Filipino workers who are victimized by these unscrupulous fly-by-night freight forwarders. More than the monetary value of these balikbayan boxes, the hard work, perseverance and love of family attached to these balikbayan boxes are immeasurable,” he stressed.
Meanwhile, the earlier complaints endorsed by DTI to the DOJ against Al Rodah Marine Services (UAE); Rodah Cargo Services-Phil.; and D’ Winner Logistics Philippines Inc. for swindling/estafa were forwarded to the City Prosecutor of Parañaque City on April 18. The DOJ directed the Office of the City Prosecutor to conduct preliminary investigation and prosecution in court, if the evidence warrants.
Send complaints on pilferage or lost item and non-delivery of balikbayan boxes to DTI-PSB at dti_psb@yahoo.com.ph or call DTI Direct (632) 751.3330.
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