By Ferdinand Patinio
MANILA – The Bureau of Customs-Ninoy Aquino International Airport (BOC-NAIA) intercepted undeclared foreign currencies from a Filipino passenger at Terminal 1 in Parañaque City.
Customs agents flagged suspicious items during the routine X-ray screening of the hand-carried baggage of a passenger departing for Hong Kong on Feb. 21.
A physical examination revealed bundles of foreign currencies consisting of 3.95 million Japanese yen, 20,000 euros, and 8,500 Kuwaiti dinar, which the passenger did not declare.
District Collector Yasmin Mapa said 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 7653 (The New Central Bank Act), and Section 4 of Republic Act No. 9160 (Anti-Money Laundering Act).
She reported that in 2024, the BOC-NAIA made 158 interceptions of undeclared or falsely declared currencies.
From January 2025 to date, the BOC-NAIA has recorded 28 apprehensions involving currencies.
“This apprehension further proves the crucial role of the Bureau of Customs in the recent exit of the Philippines in the Financial Action Task Force’s Grey List by continuously demonstrating the crossborder declaration and security measures in place to prevent cash smuggling, contributing to the protection of the nation’s economic interest,” Customs Commissioner Bienvenido Rubio said.
The BOC’s efforts align with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to implement the National Anti-Money Laundering, Counter-Terrorism Financing, and Counter-Proliferation Financing Strategy 2023–2027, underscoring the government’s dedication to preserving financial integrity and national security. (PNA)
