British traveler caught with P3.6 million at NAIA

MANILA, Philippines - Authorities at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) confiscated P3.6 million from a British passport holder who was about to leave for Hong Kong yesterday.

Chiao Liang Juliana Ching, 55, was able to go through the initial security check with the money in a black plastic wrapper in a black hand-carried bag.

The money was detected by X-ray technicians during the final X-ray examination.

Customs deputy district collector for passenger services Teresita Roque, in her report to Customs district collector Carlos So, said Ching’s passport indicates she was in the country from Dec. 26 to 29, 2004; came from China on May 8 and left for Hong Kong on June 4. She came back to Manila on June 8.

Ching will be charged with money laundering and violating a Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas circular prohibiting the exportation of money exceeding P10,000, Roque said, adding the P3.6 million will be turned over to the BSP.