Customs cracks down on undeclared currency: P24M seized

Two passengers carrying undeclared foreign currency totaling P24,204,438.71 were arrested on 22 and 23 January 2025 at NAIA Terminal 3 in Pasay City by the Bureau of Customs (BOC) through the Collection District III (NAIA), in cooperation with the Enforcement and Security Service (ESS) and the Customs Intelligence and Investigation Service (CIIS), as part of the BOC's intensified border protection efforts.

A Filipino traveler carrying USD272,000 (approximately P15,912,272) in undeclared foreign currency was apprehended on 22 January 2025. A Japanese traveler carrying USD43,710, JPY15,040,000, and P62,000 — amounting to approximately P8,292,166.71 in total — was discovered the following day, 23 January 2025.

The undeclared money was found during a physical inspection of the passengers' luggage conducted in their presence by customs officers, including ESS and CIIS agents and the customs flight supervisor.

Both travelers faced inquest proceedings for alleged violations of the Manual of Regulations on Foreign Exchange Transactions (as amended by BSP Circular Nos. 794, 874, 922, and 1146), Republic Act No. 7653 (The New Central Bank Act), Section 4 of Republic Act No. 9160 (Anti-Money Laundering Act), and Sections 117, 1400, 1401, and 1403 of Republic Act No. 10863 (Customs Modernization and Tariff Act).

To combat money laundering and ensure public safety, the BOC 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, which includes strict security measures to strengthen border protection against illicit activities.

Commissioner Bienvenido Y. Rubio emphasized the Bureau's dedication to addressing currency fraud, stating, "The Bureau of Customs remains steadfast in intercepting unauthorized cross-border movement of currencies, and we will ensure that those who violate the regulations are dealt with in accordance with the law."