Undeclared bags of cash seized at Mactan-Cebu Airport
The Philippine National Police (PNP) recently arrested nine foreigners and two Filipinos at Mactan-Cebu International Airport for carrying several undeclared bags of cash. This happened just days before the 2025 national and local elections, raising concerns about possible election interference.
PNP spokesperson Police Brigadier General Jean Fajardo shared that the group was intercepted around 10:30 p.m. while trying to board a private plane bound for Manila. They were found carrying seven bags of cash instead of the three they declared.
Large amount of cash raises alarms
Further inspection using X-ray machines and the Cebu Aviation Security Group (AVSEGROUP) revealed the bags contained cash in various denominations. The total cash amounted to over P441 million pesos, USD 168,730 (equivalent to around P9.3 million), and HKD 1,000 (around P71,000).
AVSEGROUP director Police Brigadier General Christopher Abecia reported that one suspect even tried to bribe the Cebu operation chief. “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,” he said.
Possible election interference and legal charges
Initial reports say the group arrived in Cebu at 9 p.m., planning to visit a casino before returning to Manila at 11:30 p.m. The police are investigating the case, and the suspects may face charges for violating the Commission on Elections’ ban on carrying cash over P500,000 just days before elections.
Fajardo added, “So may mga agam-agam tayo na kailangan pa nating pag-aralan pa, maliban nga sa anti-money laundering, ay baka itong mga foreign nationals might be a conduit to be used to interfere or at least influence po yung ating eleksyon.”
She emphasized that this arrest highlights a serious national security threat, especially involving large sums linked to junket operators.
Additional investigations and suspicious documents
The Anti-Money Laundering Council and the Bureau of Immigration (BI) have started separate probes. Two foreign suspects were found with fake driver’s licenses, and Interpol flagged two others with existing warrants of arrest, including one for fraud. BI also noted that two foreigners lacked records of entering the Philippines.
Abecia revealed that the suspects could not initially explain the source of the cash. Later, they presented a casino certification at around 3 a.m. claiming the money was winnings. However, authorities suspect the certificate is fake and linked to the White Horse Junket.
Connection to controversial junket operators
The White Horse Junket 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 stressed the seriousness of the case, noting that the intercepted money came from a junket operator that authorities have shut down. “Hindi po biro itong napakalaking pera po na na-intercept po natin na questionable po yung origin, particularly na itong mga pera po na ito ay galing sa ipinasara na po nating junket operator,” she added.
Investigations continue as authorities work to trace the origins of the undeclared bags of cash and their possible impact on the upcoming elections.