MANILA – A Filipino and a foreign passenger carrying undeclared foreign currency amounting to over PHP24 million were recently arrested at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 3 in Pasay City, the Bureau of Customs (BOC) reported on Monday.
According to Commissioner Bienvenido Rubio, airport authorities apprehended the two separately for carrying a total of PHP24,204,438.71 on January 22 and 23, 2025.
On January 22, 2025, the Filipino passenger was intercepted with undeclared foreign currency amounting to USD272,000 or approximately PHP15,912,272.
The following day, a Japanese passenger was found carrying undeclared USD43,710, JPY15,040,000, and PHP62,000, amounting to approximately PHP8,292,166.71 in total.
“The Bureau of Customs remains steadfast in intercepting unauthorized cross-border movement of currencies, and we will ensure that those who violate the regulations are dealt with in accordance with the law,” Rubio said in a statement.
District Collector Yasmin Mapa said Customs personnel, including Enforcement and Security Service (ESS), Customs Intelligence and Investigation Service (CIIS) operatives and the Customs Flight Supervisor, conducted a physical examination of the passengers’ baggage in their presence, revealing the undeclared currencies.
Inquest proceedings have been initiated against the passengers for alleged violations of Sections 117, 1400, 1401, and 1403 of Republic Act No. 10863 (Customs Modernization and Tariff Act), the Manual of Regulations on Foreign Exchange Transactions (as amended by BSP Circular Nos. 794, 874, 922, and 1146), Republic Act No. 7653 (The New Central Bank Act), and Section 4 of Republic Act No. 9160 (Anti-Money Laundering Act).
By implementing stringent security measures, Rubio said they strengthened border protection against illicit activities while supporting President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s marching order to adopt the National Anti-Money Laundering, Counter-Terrorism Financing, and Counter-Proliferation Financing Strategy (NACS) 2023–2027 to combat financial crimes and uphold ensure public safety. (PNA)