The Philippine National Police (PNP) recently arrested nine foreigners and two Filipinos at Mactan-Cebu International Airport for carrying several undeclared bags of cash just days before the 2025 national and local elections. This operation highlights serious concerns about election security and money laundering.
Undeclared bags of cash found at airport
According to PNP spokesperson Police Brigadier General Jean Fajardo, the 11 suspects were intercepted around 10:30 p.m. while trying to board a private plane bound for Manila. During baggage inspection, officers discovered seven bags instead of the three declared by the group.
Further checks using X-ray and manual inspection by the Cebu Aviation Security Group (AVSEGROUP) revealed the bags contained cash in various denominations. The total amount included ₱441,922,542 Philippine pesos, USD 168,730 (around ₱9.34 million), and HKD 1,000 (roughly ₱71,000).
One suspect even attempted to bribe the chief of Cebu operations, but the officers remained firm. AVSEGROUP director Police Brigadier General Christopher Abecia said, “Tinatanong kung magkano ang gusto pero hindi nila kayang i-bribe yung ating mga personnel. Kaya kabilin-bilin na natin na i-declare lahat ng inbentaryo [at] ingatan, dahil ayaw nating ma-issue sa mga ganyang issue.”
Possible election interference and legal action
The group reportedly arrived in Cebu around 9 p.m. to visit a casino and planned to return to Manila by 11:30 p.m. The PNP is investigating potential violations of the Commission on Elections’ ban on carrying cash over ₱500,000 days before elections.
Fajardo expressed concerns that these foreigners might be used as conduits to interfere with or influence the upcoming elections, adding, “Ito pong pagkakahuli po natin ngayon at pagtutok dito sa mga malalaking pera po na pumapasok po sa mga junket operators po is a cause of national concern po. Ito nga po ay grave threat na sinasabi natin sa ating national security.”
Meanwhile, the Anti-Money Laundering Council and Bureau of Immigration have launched separate investigations. Two foreign suspects were found with fake driver’s licenses, and Interpol reported that two had existing warrants of arrest while one had a fraud notice. Additionally, two foreigners reportedly have no record of entering the Philippines.
Tracing the origin of the cash
Upon arrest, the suspects couldn’t immediately explain where the cash came from. They later presented a casino certification claiming the money was their winnings. However, authorities suspect this certificate might be fake, especially since it involved the White Horse Junket.
The White Horse Junket is linked to a closed casino operator and was reportedly involved in handling ransom money paid by the family of the late Chinese businessman Anson Que. Fajardo said, “Titignan po natin ngayon at ititrace po yung origin po nitong pera na ito, dahil there is a possibility po na maaaring, commingled ang pera po na ito doon sa part po ng [ransom] money.”
She emphasized the seriousness of intercepting such a large sum with questionable origins, particularly since it came from a junket operator that has been shut down.