BI starts deportation of 9 foreigners caught with P440M cash

The Bureau of Immigration (BI) is initiating deportation proceedings against nine foreign nationals apprehended at Mactan-Cebu International Airport for attempting to transport over P440 million in undeclared cash.

The foreigners, including six Chinese and individuals from Malaysia, Indonesia, and Kazakhstan, were found carrying seven bags containing up to P441,922,542, USD$168,730, and HKD$1,000.

Two of the Chinese nationals have existing warrants of arrest for various crimes, while another has a red notice alert from Interpol for fraud.

The BI spokesperson described the cash transport as "brazen," noting it occurred just days before the May 12 midterm elections.

The BI stated that aside from deportation proceedings, the group may also face criminal and anti-money laundering charges before local courts.

Immigration Commissioner Joel Viado said the foreigners will be deported and blacklisted from re-entering the Philippines after their local cases are resolved.