The Bureau of Customs-Ninoy Aquino International Airport (BOC-NAIA) intercepted undeclared foreign currency, valued at over P4 million from a Filipino passenger at NAIA Terminal 1.
In a press statement, BOC-NAIA said the package consisted of 3,950,000 Japanese Yen (JPY), 20,000 Euro (EUR), and 8,500 Kuwaiti Dinar (KWD).
The currency was found hidden inside a hand-carried baggage of a passenger bound for Hong Kong, after a routine x-ray screening flagged the luggage on February 21, 2025.
A physical examination confirmed the concealed foreign currencies, which the passenger had failed to declare.
The passenger is now facing inquest proceedings for violating various provisions under Republic Act No. 10863 (Customs Modernization and Tariff Act), the Manual of Regulations on Foreign Exchange Transactions, Republic Act No. 7653 (The New Central Bank Act), and the Anti-Money Laundering Act (RA No. 9160).
This interception supports President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to implement the National Anti-Money Laundering, Counter-Terrorism Financing, and Counter-Proliferation Financing Strategy (NACS) 2023–2027, reaffirming the government’s commitment to securing financial integrity and national security, officials said.
Since January 2025, the bureau has already recorded 28 instances in which undeclared foreign currency were seized by authorities.
Commissioner Bienvenido Y. Rubio underscored the importance of these efforts, stating that, “This apprehension demonstrates the crucial role of the Bureau of Customs in the country’s recent exit from the Financial Action Task Force’s Grey List, highlighting our commitment to combating cash smuggling and protecting the nation’s economic interests.” — Sherylin Untalan/BAP, GMA Integrated News
