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LAPU-LAPU CITY — Authorities at Mactan-Cebu International Airport (MCIA) discovered over P1.1 million in undeclared cash inside a passenger’s baggage during a routine security check on Sunday.
The 26-year-old Filipino traveler from Barangay Basak in Cebu City was bound for Hong Kong when a screener from the Office for Transportation Security at Terminal 2 flagged his baggage.
X-ray images revealed suspicious shapes that resembled stacks of currency, prompting an immediate alert to airport authorities.
Personnel from the Bureau of Customs (BOC) and the Philippine National Police Aviation Security Group (Avsegroup) conducted a joint verification, which led to the discovery of P1,149,000 in cash.
The passenger failed to declare the amount and refused to sign the held baggage receipt.
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He later told authorities he was unaware of the rule prohibiting outbound transport of more than P500,000 in Philippine currency without prior clearance from the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas.
The intercepted amount was turned over to the BOC office at the Terminal 2 arrival area for proper documentation and further investigation.
Avsegroup director Brig. Gen. Jason Capoy commended the vigilance of airport security personnel and emphasized the agency’s ongoing commitment to ensuring safe airport operations.
“This incident reflects the strong coordination and alertness of our security forces. Avsegroup remains committed to ensuring safe and secure airport operations at all times,” he said.
Located in Lapu-Lapu City, MCIA is the country’s second-busiest gateway after Ninoy Aquino International Airport and serves as the main international and domestic hub for travelers in the Visayas and Mindanao regions.
Its Terminal 2 handles international departures and arrivals.
