Nearly half a billion in cash was seized at the Mactan Airport, with 11 individuals arrested. Handout/PNP ASG

MANILA -- Eleven individuals, including several foreign nationals, were arrested Friday night at Mactan-Cebu International Airport for attempting to transport nearly half a billion pesos in cash. 

According to Philippine National Police (PNP) spokesperson PBGen. Jean Fajardo, the group arrived at the airport with several pieces of luggage and were set to fly to Manila via a private plane around 11:30 p.m. 

However, they were flagged by authorities after attempting to bypass x-ray screening. 

“Ang una lang ay dineklara po nila ay tatlong maleta lang po, only to find out na pito po na trolley bag na luggages 'yung kanilang bitbit at nung idinaan po sa x-ray machine itong kanilang mga maleta ay na-detect po 'yung image po ng resembling money po," Fajardo said. 

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The PNP Aviation Security Group (AVSEG) opened the luggage and discovered large bundles of cash amounting to P441,922,542, $168,730, and 1,000 Hong Kong dollars. 

The eleven suspects include 6 Chinese nationals, 1 Malaysian, 1 Indonesian, 1 Kazakhstani, 2 Filipinos. 

Fajardo said the suspects refused to explain the origin of the money, but later on a representative arrived at the airport and presented a certification. 

"Ayon sa director ng Aviation Security Group mga bandang alas tres po ay may pumunta po doon at nagpakita po ng certification na galing po sa isang malaking casino sa Cebu at sinasabi ay 'yun po ay pera po na 'yun ay pagmamay-ari ng White Horse junket operator," Fajardo said. 

Authorities noted that White Horse is one of two junket operators previously linked to the transfer of ransom money in the kidnap-slay case involving businessman Anson Que. 

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"Napakalaking halaga ng pera po ito and two days prior sa election ay di nila maipaliwanag saan galing itong pera na ito. Parang inihabol na lang nitong junket operator just to justify saan po galing itong pera po na ito, pero kaduda duda po 'yan dahil puro mga foreigners ang mga may bitbit ng mga pera na ito," Fajardo added. 

The group will face charges for violating COMELEC rules on the transport and possession of large sums of money during the election period. 

The PNP is also eyeing possible money laundering charges and immigration violations. 

Two individuals — one Chinese national and the Malaysian — were found in possession of fake driver’s licenses, while another had an outstanding arrest warrant, and one suspect was listed under an Interpol red notice for fraud. 

All suspects are currently in the custody of the PNP AVSEG and will undergo inquest proceedings. PNP is still investigating the incident.