47M undeclared Japanese Yen intercepted

THE Bureau of Customs-Ninoy Aquino International Airport intercepted undeclared foreign currencies amounting to 47 million Japanese yen or P17.2 million at NAIA Terminal 3 in Pasay City recently.

BOC-NAIA chief, Yasmin Mapa said the undeclared currency was discovered in the check-in baggage of a Korean national during a routine x-ray inspection.

A subsequent physical examination revealed several bundles of Japanese Yen.

The Korean passenger is charged with violation of the regulations of the BSP on Cross-Border Transfer of Currencies and Republic Act No. 10863, also known as the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act.

“Illegal activities such as this undermine the integrity of the financial system and put the Philippines at risk of becoming a potential hub for financial crimes. We are determined to crack down on these schemes thru active coordination with AMLC, BSP, and other law enforcement agencies involved,” said Customs Commissioner Bienvenido Rubio.

“We are actively strengthening our efforts to combat money laundering and terrorist financing through enhanced measures and proactive collaboration,” he said.