• The Bureau of Customs recently seized a total of P24.2 million in undeclared foreign currency at Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3
• Two passengers, a Filipino and a Japanese national, were apprehended
• The Filipino passenger was caught with $272,000, while the Japanese passenger was found carrying $43,710, JPY15,040,000, and P62,000
• The apprehended individuals now face inquest proceedings for violations of Sections 117, 1400, 1401, and 1403 of the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act, Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Circulars, Central Bank Act, and anti-money laundering law
The Bureau of Customs (BOC) recently seized a total of P24.2 million in undeclared foreign currency at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 3.
On January 22, a Filipino passenger was caught carrying $272,000, valued at approximately P15.91 million. The following day, January 23, the Japanese passenger was found with $43,710, JPY15,040,000, and P62,000, collectively valued at around P8.29 million.
The apprehensions were conducted by BOC’s Collection District III in coordination with the Enforcement and Security Service (ESS) and Customs Intelligence and Investigation Service (CIIS) in line with the intensified efforts to strengthen border protection.
Customs personnel, including ESS and CIIS operatives and the Customs Flight Supervisor, conducted physical inspections of the passengers’ baggage in their presence, uncovering the undeclared foreign currencies.
The apprehended individuals now face inquest proceedings for violating Sections 117, 1400, 1401, and 1403 of the Republic Act (RA) No. 10863, also known as the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act. Additional charges pertain to breaches of the Manual of Regulations on Foreign Exchange Transactions, as amended by various Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Circulars (794, 874, 922, and 1146), RA No. 7653 or The New Central Bank Act, and Section 4 of RA No. 9160 or the Anti-Money Laundering Act.
“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,” Customs Commissioner Bienvenido Rubio said in a statement.
The operation aligns with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s National Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorism Financing Strategy 2023–2027, which aims to combat financial crimes and enhance public safety.
Under the leadership of District Collector Yasmin Mapa, BOC-NAIA reaffirms its commitment to enforcing customs regulations and safeguarding the country’s borders.
