2 Koreans bring in undeclared HK$2.1 M for poker games

MANILA, Philippines - Two Korean men were apprehended at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 2 at past midnight yesterday for bringing into the country HK$2.1 million (approximately P11.4 million) without declaring the money to customs examiners.

Myung Chankug and Kim Sung Je, who flew in from Hong Kong, were asked by customs examiner Claire Mojica and customs supervisor on duty Paul Urea if they had something to declare before their hand-carried bags are inspected, and they replied “none,” according to a report by customs deputy collector for passengers services Teresita Roque.

Mojica then asked the two men to open their hand-carried bags, which turned out to contain money. The Koreans said they are poker players and the money is for gambling in casinos, Roque added.

The customs personnel said the Koreans violated Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Circular 308 by not declaring the foreign currency they brought in.