Passenger with undeclared $580,000, P1.3 million nabbed in NAIA

National

A MALE passenger was apprehended at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) after authorities discovered ₱1.2 million and USD $580,000 in undeclared cash concealed in his checked-in baggage.

According to the Bureau of Customs (BOC), the incident occurred during routine X-ray screening of luggage bound for Hong Kong. Upon further inspection, officers uncovered multiple bundles of cash hidden inside the passenger’s luggage.

No declaration had been made to authorities, in violation of Philippine financial and customs regulations.

The BOC said the passenger could face legal action for allegedly breaching several laws, including: Republic Act No. 10863: Customs Modernization and Tariff Act

Republic Act No. 7653: New Central Bank Act

Republic Act No. 9160: Anti-Money Laundering Act

The man may also be charged for violating provisions in the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) Manual of Regulations on Foreign Exchange Transactions, which governs currency movement across borders.

Authorities are continuing their investigation, and the seized funds are currently under the custody of the Bureau of Customs for further evaluation.

The agency reminded the public to comply with the required declaration protocols for transporting cash and monetary instruments, especially when amounts exceed $10,000 or its equivalent.(Rey Niño P. Puso, PIT Comm Intern)