3 Japanese nationals held at NAIA for carrying P45-M cash

MANILA, Philippines - Three Japanese nationals were held at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) on Friday for entering the country with P45 million worth of cash.

Airport authorities identified the Japanese nationals as Suzuki Yuzon, Takahashi Koichi and Terashima Seita.

The NAIA media affairs division said that the three Japanese nationals arrived at the airport at 9:34 p.m. Thursday via Japan Airlines flight 745 from Narita.

Upon inspection of their belongings, customs examiners noticed that they were carrying paper bags full of cash.

Authorities said that found from the Japanese nationals were P45,320,000 worth of Yen and US dollars and P1.5 million worth of casino chips marked "Resorts World."

Two Filipinos identified as Roniglenn Nolasco and Mary Grace Portugez, who welcomed the three Japanese nationals at the airport, were also held by the airport authorities.

Initial reports said that the two Filipinos are employees of Yuzon in Sorris O Phil. Inc., a call center based in Taguig City.

The three Japanese nationals are facing charges for violation of Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Circular 308, which prohibits foreigners from bringing in undeclared money in excess of US$ 10,000.