The Bureau of Customs-Ninoy Aquino International Airport (BOC-NAIA) intercepted a Filipino passenger attempting to smuggle undeclared foreign currencies at NAIA Terminal 1 on February 21, 2025.
Authorities seized 3,950,000 Japanese Yen (JPY), 20,000 Euro (EUR), and 8,500 Kuwaiti Dinar (KWD) during a routine x-ray screening of the passenger’s hand-carried baggage bound for Hong Kong. A physical inspection revealed bundles of cash concealed inside, which the passenger failed to declare.
The suspect now faces inquest proceedings for violating multiple financial laws, including the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act (RA 10863), the Anti-Money Laundering Act (RA 9160), and Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) regulations on foreign exchange transactions.
Customs Commissioner Bienvenido Y. Rubio highlighted the agency’s role in strengthening cross-border security, stating, “This apprehension proves the Bureau’s commitment to ensuring financial integrity and preventing illicit cash smuggling.”
BOC-NAIA reported a record 158 interceptions of undeclared or falsely declared currencies in 2024, marking a nearly 2,000% increase from 2023. In early 2025 alone, 28 currency-related apprehensions have already been recorded.
District Collector Yasmin O. Mapa reaffirmed the agency’s dedication to enforcing customs laws and protecting the nation’s borders from financial crimes.
