P24 million undeclared foreign currency seized at NAIA
MANILA, Philippines — The Bureau of Customs (BOC) has confiscated undeclared foreign currency worth P24.20 million at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 3.
BOC personnel, in coordination with the Enforcement and Security Service and Customs Intelligence and Investigation Service, apprehended two passengers who attempted to smuggle into the country the equivalent of P24,204,438.71 in foreign currency.
On Jan. 22, a Filipino passenger was intercepted at the NAIA with $272,000 or about P15.912 million.
The following day, a Japanese passenger was found carrying $43,710, 15,040,000 Japanese yen, and P62,000, for a total of P8,292,166.71.
Inquest proceedings have been initiated against the passengers for alleged violation of Republic Act 10863, the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act; RA 7653 or the New Central Bank Act, and the Anti-Money Laundering Act.
By implementing stringent security measures, Customs Commissioner Bienvenido Rubio said the BOC strengthens border protection against illegal activities while supporting President Marcos’ directive to combat financial crimes and ensure public safety.
Rubio emphasized the bureau’s campaign against false declarations of currencies, saying, “the BOC remains steadfast in intercepting unauthorized cross-border movement of currencies.”
BOC-NAIA district collector Yasmin Mapa said the agency would continue safeguarding the country’s borders.
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