In line with the directive of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to strengthen border security and enforce cross-border currency regulations, the Bureau of Customs – Ninoy Aquino International Airport (BOC-NAIA) intercepted undeclared foreign currency carried by an arriving passenger at NAIA Terminal 1 recently.
A total of JPY10,000,000, estimated at P3,762,000, was found in the passenger’s possession.
Of this amount, only JPY 1,560,000, or $10,000, was returned as it falls within the allowable limit. The remaining JPY 8,440,000, or estimated at P3,175,128, was confiscated due to the passenger’s failure to declare the amount in the e-Travel system.
The undeclared currency constitutes violations of Sections 117, 1400, and 1401 of Republic Act No. 10863 (Customs Modernization and Tariff Act), as well as the Manual of Regulations on Foreign Exchange Transactions of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas.
BOC Commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno commended the vigilance of BOC-NAIA personnel.
“This interception reflects our firm commitment to enforcing cross- border reporting requirements.”
“This interception reflects our firm commitment to enforcing cross- border reporting requirements and ensuring that illicit financial activity has no space at our ports,” Nepomuceno stressed.
BOC-NAIA, under the leadership of District Collector Atty. Yasmin Mapa, continues to strengthen inspection protocols and uphold stringent enforcement measures in line with the administration’s financial integrity and anti-smuggling initiatives.
