Consistent with the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s to combat illicit financial activities, the Bureau of Customs – Ninoy Aquino International Airport (BOC-NAIA) intercepted undeclared foreign currency from a departing passenger at NAIA Terminal 3 on June 25, 2025.

The seized currencies amounted to Five Hundred Eighty Thousand US Dollars (USD 580,000.00) and One Million Two Hundred Thousand Philippine Pesos (PHP 1,200,000.00).

The discovery was made during a routine x-ray screening of the passengers’s checked-in baggage bound for Hong Kong. Upon examination, bundles of cash concealed inside the luggage were uncovered—none of which had been declared, in violation of applicable laws.

Inquest proceedings have been initiated against the passenger for 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).

Commissioner Bienvenido Y. Rubio commended the vigilance of BOC-NAIA personnel and reaffirmed the Bureau’s commitment to upholding customs laws and safeguarding the country’s borders against illicit financial flows, stating, “This exemplifies the relentless efforts of the Bureau to maintaining our status following our removal from the Financial Action Task Force’s Grey List and in upholding reforms against money laundering.”

BOC-NAIA, under the leadership of District Collector Atty. Yasmin O. Mapa, continues to intensify its enforcement efforts through strengthened inspection protocols and close inter-agency coordination, in line with its mandate and the administration’s anti-smuggling agenda. #