A 61-year-old Filipina was intercepted by the Philippine National Police-Aviation Security Group (PNP-ASG) at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 3 after she tried to smuggle out of the country P1,200,000 in cash placed in her check-in luggage last Saturday.
Customs deputy collector for passenger services Mark Almase said the passenger failed to present an authorization or permit from the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) when questioned by Customs and PNP-ASG.
Almase said that based on BSP rules and guidelines, only P50,000 is allowed to be carried out of the country unless there is an authorization from the BSP.
Only 10,000 US dollars or the equivalent of any foreign currency is allowed to be brought in and out of the country unless authorized by the BSP.
According to police, the Filipina passenger was flagged during routine baggage screening at NAIA Terminal 3, after X-ray operators detected an image resembling bundles of cash in her black trolley bag and called customs for inspection.
“This incident reflects the strong coordination and alertness of our men in uniform who are committed to ensuring safe and secure airport operations at all times,” Almase said.
