Korean passenger carrying undeclared $167,300 arrested at NAIA Terminal 1

THE Bureau of Customs Ninoy Aquino International Airport (BOC-NAIA), the Enforcement and Security Service (ESS), and the Customs Intelligence and Investigation Service (CIIS) arrested a Korean passenger carrying undeclared foreign currency amounting to US$167,300 or about P9.196 million on March 17, 2023, at NAIA Terminal 1.

The Korean passenger arrived at the NAIA Terminal 1 from Incheon International Airport via Asiana Airlines Flight number OZ701.

Physical examination of the subject baggage in the presence of the passengers, as witnessed by the Bureau’s ESS and CIIS personnel and the Customs Flight Supervisor, revealed undeclared foreign currencies concealed in a book, with actual inventory amounting to US$167,300.00.

The BOC will issue a Warrant of Seizure and Detention (WSD) for violation of Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) regulations on Cross Border Transfer of Currencies and Section 1113 (L) of the Republic Act No. 10863 or the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act (CMTA).

The passenger is now under the custody of the Customs Police – NAIA for further investigation and possible filing of a criminal case.

The BOC reminds the public that any person may freely bring foreign currencies into or out of the Philippines up to a maximum amount of USD 10,000, or its equivalent.

However, if the amount exceeds US$10,000, the forein currency must be declared through the Customs Baggage Declaration Form and the Foreign Currency Declaration Form (FCDF) upon arrival at or before departure from a Philippine airport.

The BOC-NAIA, under the leadership of District Collector Carmelita M. Talusan, remains committed to fulfilling the directives of BOC Commissioner Bienvenido Y. Rubio to strengthen border protection aligned with the directives of President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr.