The Bureau of Customs (BOC) has now identified several groups of travelers  and individuals who recently brought into the Philippines huge amount of foreign currencies.

This, the BOC said,  as lawmakers flagged the alleged money laundering activities of these people.

The customs bureau said that it has “heightened its efforts to address influx of suspicious large amounts” of foreign currencies.

The BOC said  they are now  coordinating with the Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC), Banko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP), Congress and law enforcers.

“The Bureau of Customs vows to continuously intensify its efforts on border protection and prevent the illegal movements of illicit money or capital to and from the Philippines,” the customs bureau said in a statement.

“Several groups of passenger-couriers declaring huge amount of foreign currency have been identified by the BOC through its sustained monitoring efforts,” their statement said.

Senator  Richard Gordon and ACT-CIS Rep. Eric Go Yap over the weekend said foreigners, particularly Chinese nationals, have been bringing millions-worth of dollars in cash into the country since late last year.

The Philippines requires any person to declare any amount exceeding $10,000 (or its equivalent in other foreign currency) being brought into or out of the country, including its purpose.

Gordon said the foreigners had “money connections” in government, allowing them to bring large amounts of money into the country without being flagged.

Citing BOC records, Gordon said the cash brought in since December were declared by owners for “travel and casino” use, as well as for “investment.”/Stacy Ang