Photo shows part of the seized undeclared foreign currency. Photo courtesy of BOC
MANILA — As part of the Bureau of Customs’ (BOC) intensified efforts to strengthen border protection, the BOC, through the Collection District III (NAIA), in coordination with the Enforcement and Security Service (ESS) and the Customs Intelligence and Investigation Service (CIIS), apprehended two passengers carrying undeclared foreign currency amounting to PhP24,204,438.71 on January 22 and 23, 2025, at NAIA Terminal 3, Pasay City.
On January 22, 2025, a Filipino passenger was intercepted with undeclared foreign currency amounting to USD272,000, approximately PhP15,912,272. The following day, January 23, 2025, a Japanese passenger was found carrying USD43,710, JPY15,040,000, and PhP62,000, with a total peso equivalent of approximately PhP8,292,166.71.
Customs personnel, including ESS and CIIS operatives and the Customs Flight Supervisor, conducted a physical examination of the passengers’ baggage in their presence, revealing the undeclared currencies.
Inquest proceedings have been initiated against both passengers for alleged 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 No. 7653 (The New Central Bank Act), and Section 4 of Republic Act No. 9160 (Anti-Money Laundering Act).
By implementing stringent security measures, the BOC strengthens border protection against illicit activities while supporting President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s marching order to adopt the National Anti-Money Laundering, Counter-Terrorism Financing, and Counter-Proliferation Financing Strategy (NACS) 2023–2027 to combat financial crimes and uphold ensure public safety.
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Commissioner Bienvenido Y. Rubio emphasized the Bureau’s continuous campaign against false declarations of currencies, saying, “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,” Rubio said.
Under the leadership of District Collector Yasmin O. Mapa, BOC-NAIA continues to uphold its mandate of enforcing customs regulations and safeguarding the country’s borders.
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