Millions in undeclared cash seized from foreigners at Cebu airport

ELEVEN individuals, nine foreigners and two Filipinos, were arrested at the Mactan-Cebu International Airport on Saturday for possessing a substantial amount of undeclared cash, just days before the 2025 Philippine national and local elections.

The group, intercepted while attempting to board a private plane to Manila, were found carrying seven bags containing a total of ₱441,922,542 (Philippine Pesos), US$168,730 (approximately ₱9.342 million), and HK$1,000 (approximately ₱71,000). This significantly exceeded their declared three bags.

Police Brigadier General Jean Fajardo, PNP spokesperson, stated that the discovery was made during routine baggage inspection at approximately 10:30 p.m. X-ray analysis and a subsequent inspection by the Cebu Aviation Security Group (AVSEGROUP) revealed the undeclared cash. AVSEGROUP director, Police Brigadier General Christopher Abecia, further revealed that one suspect attempted to bribe AVSEGROUP personnel.

The group, who reportedly arrived in Cebu around 9 p.m. to visit a casino, claimed the money represented casino winnings, presenting a certification from a casino at approximately 3 a.m.

However, authorities are highly suspicious of this claim, noting the certification’s origin from the White Horse Junket, a casino junket operator previously implicated in the ransom payment for the late Chinese businessman Anson Que. This raises concerns about potential money laundering and links to organized crime.

The suspects are facing potential charges for violating the Commission on Elections’ ban on transporting large sums of cash (over ₱500,000) in the days leading up to elections.

The PNP suspects the money may be linked to attempts to influence the upcoming elections. Separate investigations by the Anti-Money Laundering Council and the Bureau of Immigration (BI) are underway, focusing on potential immigration law violations and document falsification. Interpol has also revealed that two of the foreign nationals had outstanding arrest warrants, and another had a fraud notice. Two others lacked Philippine entry records.

General Fajardo emphasized the seriousness of the situation, stating that the seizure of such a large sum of money with questionable origins is a grave threat to national security. The investigation is ongoing, with authorities focused on tracing the money’s origin and determining the extent of any potential election interference.