where can we report package theft in cebu?

Question

we received a package from canada here in cebu, its a week late and when we opened the package a lot of things are missing so we believe that the package was opened before we got it and those things that were missing were stolen. One of the stolen things was a Sony Vaio laptop, the box for the Sony laptop is empty when we opened it. Where can we report this kind of issue? we cant just let them get away with it.

Answer 1

You must complain such on the forwarder in Canada for there know how about this issue, because, ever since this is the problem of all packages that been came from abroad, you can't actually identify if where this matter been happened, was it from the origin itself or in trusted agent at Manila or Cebu.



Because, before this material been forwarded to Cebu, it will stay for a while in Manila for the processing of needed documents and will be subject for transporting in Cebu on their trusted forwarding agent.



So sorry for that one, but you can't claim anything unless it is being insured, the insurance will going to refund things that been stolen.



For your awareness, the boxes content must be inspected first before you have to receive it, but because you already sign on their receipt paper, then it show things are just okay, and nothing had been stolen, with this issue you can't claim anything about those items that's getting lost.





Good luck





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Answer 2

you should file your complaint to the proper authorities. really we need more info that what you have given us. you failed to mention how the package was sent.



no matter how it is sent, senders are responsible for adequately insuring their parcels and should be aware of how to handle such unfortunate occurences as lost, incomplete or misdirected deliveries. packages pass thru several checkpoints from place of origin to destination --- a lot can happen in transit.

Answer 3

Need to clarify the following first before i could guide you properly ,

1.How was the package sent , via balikbayan boxes or via postal or courier - If balikabayan boxes , your sender must have given them a lists to be acknowledged after inspection but again not always needed , its a risk the sender takes , thats why sender of balikabayan boxes go to forwarders that have good references and registered legally . If via courier or postal , then all items will be accounted for and declared with corresponding expenses on duties and taxes when arrived and paid for by consignee before release .



2. If items were sent thru balikbayan boxes , the sender before it arrives should have sent the consignee , a complete lists of acknowledged contents , so when it arrived in your doorstep , do not let the delivery men leave unless you have inspected all .



If via courier (DHL , Postal, UPS ) if its declared item and not included when delivered or released from custom , then you could file for restitution or not accept the package because it has been tampered with .



But by looks of it , it came via balikbayan boxes .... then you should have opened it before the delivery men left so the lost could be acknowledged by the delivery men and items could be retrieved or compensated for , but these balikabayan boxes if you include electronics and high value items which are discouraged to be included in the first place ... then you have no recourse in this matter.

Answer 4

I agree with the other answers, but to be fair, in England we have the same problem with the postal sorting offices. You never send money in greetings cards either.



The same thing happens with Balikbayan boxes ( cartons sent by families back home to phils ) with some shippers. They cut the boxes and take out one or two things. They deliver the boxes and even if anyone notices, they blame the other people who handled the goods. That is why you will see boxes wrapped with tight string mesh and then tape and other things, so it is obvious if anyone has opened it.



You are caught out by the need to declare things, so you have to write what is in packages sent by mail. If you don't Customs will think you are trying to evade the duty so you cannot get round it. You have a problem with Customs in Phils as well. Most public officials are badly paid and the cost of living here is rising like crazy and whether anyone agrees or not, things go missing during inspection. If you think that a salary of say $300-400 a month is about the mark then you can see the temptation. It gets worse as Christmas approaches..everyone wants to provide for their family and a few fall to temptation. My apologies to the honest ones, but they also know it is true.



I always think now that it is better to remit money and if necessary get someone to buy things locally. People could also try ordering goods though Robinsons and SM online, delivered to the recipient's home. Prices are sometimes a bit more here and sometimes very similar.



I have heard that LBC have a cheap parcel service to the Phils, in and out, but I dont have any details.



As for trying to get the laptop back, if it was me I would go and see the mayor or vice mayor of Cebu, rather than the police. Make friends and then see if he can have a quiet word.



I hope one day in the Phils it will be the right thing to call the police when a crime is committed. I say this as a family member of a brave policeman who cared and who was shot dead by other policemen, 2 decades ago. It is scary to be honest in the midst of corruption and my respect is for the new and vocal crime-fighters of the Philippines. Maybe you can get revenge by supporting and campaigning for change.



If it was a Balikbayan service you used, rather than Phils post, then definitely you should have a chat with the mayor in Cebu and then with someone in the Canada office of the Balikbayan company.....threaten to report it to the police there unless it is mysteriously "found". Usually the Balikbayan people have an understanding with the port customs.



Don't suppose the laptop was paid for by credit card and the purchase could be covered against theft....just a thought...!!!!

Answer 5

I'm very sorry to inform you if the box was shipped through Philippines mail you are out of luck. The Philippine international postal service center located in Manila is notorious world wide as a black hole of thieves. Even if the items were insured and the box tracked the thieves will open at take what they want.

Next time use FedEx or DHL with insurance and tracking.

Answer 6

It should have been insured. If it wasn't insured, no matter what you do you can't claim anything.



Also...was it registered post or courier. You could make an issue with a courier company.

Answer 7

YOU NEVER LEARN YOUR LESSONS,WE FILIPINOS ARE NOT TRUSTWORTHY.