THE Bureau of Customs (BOC) has tightened the nation’s defenses against money laundering and illicit financial flows after seizing ₱5.6 million in undeclared Philippine currency from a Japanese passenger at the Mactan-Cebu International Airport on September 21, 2025. The operation, carried out in line with the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., highlights the agency’s relentless crackdown on unreported cross-border movements of cash that could be used to fund criminal activities or destabilize the economy.
Under Customs Memorandum Order (CMO) No. 17-2023, travelers carrying more than ₱50,000.00 in Philippine currency must first secure written authorization from the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP). In line with this regulation, only ₱50,000.00 was returned to the passenger, while the excess amount of ₱5.550 million was confiscated due to the absence of BSP clearance. The funds seized were issued a Held Baggage Receipt and are now subject to a Warrant of Seizure and Detention (WSD) Order.
All related documents, including declaration forms and attachments, have been forwarded to the BOC–Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC) Technical Working Group in Manila for proper handling and further investigation. This action complies with OCOM Memorandum No. 31-2023 on strict monitoring of currencies and monetary instruments, as well as OCOM Memorandum No. 58-2023 on the mandatory use of multi-currency counting and printing machines for verification.
Port of Cebu District Collector Atty. Felipe Geoffrey K. De Vera emphasized the importance of vigilance in airport operations. “This interception highlights the dedication of our frontliners in ensuring compliance with customs regulations and in protecting the integrity of our ports of entry,” he said.
Commissioner Ariel F. Nepomuceno stressed the broader significance of the operation. “This operation goes beyond compliance, it is about protecting our nation from the risks posed by unregulated currency movements. The Bureau remains steadfast in its role of safeguarding the country’s economic security,” he said.
This effort demonstrates the country’s strengthened commitment to financial integrity, as reflected in the Philippines’ delisting from the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) grey list in February 2025.
The BOC reminds all travelers that carrying Philippine currency exceeding ₱50,000.00 without proper authorization is strictly prohibited.
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