The Mactan Cebu International Airport Authority (MCIAA) on Sunday commended airport security for intercepting nearly half a billion pesos in undeclared cash at the General Aviation area.

Airport security screeners discovered the large sum during screening procedures at the General Aviation Terminal of the Mactan Cebu International Airport (MCIA) on Saturday, the MCIAA said in a statement.

Authorities found seven trolley bags containing the cash, belonging to nine foreign nationals and two Filipino nationals who were preparing to board a private aircraft bound for Manila. The individuals were immediately taken into custody by the Philippine National Police (PNP).

An initial inventory revealed the cash totaled P441 million.

MCIAA general manager and CEO Julius Neri Jr. praised the vigilance and professionalism of the airport’s security teams.

Neri said the actions demonstrate their ongoing commitment to ensuring MCIA remains secure, transparent and compliant with Philippine laws.

Meantime, the MCIAA assured the public of its continued efforts to maintain high standards of security and transparency at the airport.

Authorities said they suspect potential involvement of the Philippine Offshore and Gaming Operations or a kidnap-for-ransom syndicate.