Japanese apprehended at Naia for failing to declare 53 million Yen

NAIA terminal 3. FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines—A Japanese national was intercepted at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) for failing to declare that he was carrying 53-million Yen, equivalent to about P21 million, upon his arrival in Manila from Tokyo, Japan, late Tuesday night.

According to the Bureau of Customs, 50-year-old Yoshiaki Takahashi, a businessman residing in Chiba, Japan, who has frequently traveled to the Philippines, arrived in Manila via Japan Airlines flight JL 745 at past 10 p.m. Tuesday.

Customs examiners found the cash inside a paper bag inside his luggage upon routine inspection.

Takahashi faces charges for violation of the Tariff and Customs Code of the Philippines for failing to declare the cash and unlawful importation of foreign currency and Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) Circular 698, which sets rules and requirements for declaration of cash worth more than P10,000 or 10,000 in other currencies upon departing or arriving the Philippines.

Customs authorities filed the complaint before the Pasay Prosecutors Office on Wednesday.

The BOC said that Takahashi, when interviewed, claimed that he had traveled to the Philippines several times before but was not aware of the rules governing the carrying of foreign currency.

The Japanese national said he had intended to use the money to start his own business and buy properties in the Philippines.

RELATED STORIES

Safety, taxi and other woes at Naia

Stranded Briton heads home after 22 days at Naia; kind Filipinos fed him

Naia allows white cabs anew, but exec says yellows ‘safer’