GOLD DISCOVERY A Customs examiner inspects the jewelry found inside a Philippine Airlines plane lavatory on Thursday, Nov. 17, 2022. The 24.4 kilos of assorted pieces of jewelry estimated at P80 million was found inside lavatory of PR 301, which landed at NAIA-Terminal 2 from Hongkong on the same day. (BoC-NAIA photo)

THE Bureau of Customs (BoC) foiled an attempt to smuggle 24.4 kilos of assorted pieces of gold jewelry which were found inside aircraft’s lavatory.

Customs authorities at the Ninoy Aquino International Aiport (NAIA) said the pieces of jewelry were initially discovered during the boarding formalities conducted by Customs Boarding Inspector from the Aircraft Operations Division.

Port of NAIA Collector Carmelita M. Talusan on Friday said she has ordered a thorough investigation to identify “the persons responsible for this smuggling attempt.”

The gold jewelry were discovered from a Philippine Airlines flight PR301 from Hong Kong on Thursday, Nov. 17, 2022 after it arrived at 2:28 p.m. The value, the BoC said, was estimated to be around P80 million.

Meanwhile, PAL spokesman Cielo Villaluna also on Friday said the airline is “cooperating with authorities conducting investigation.”

She said PAL Security Department immediately reported the incident to the PNP Aviation Security Group based at the NAIA Terminal 2.

“Upon discovery, the PNP endorsed the items to the Bureau of Customs. PAL continues to cooperate with the PNP and the BoC to ensure an orderly and thorough probe,” Villaluna added.

She said that the carrier is unable to issue any further statement on the issue, pending the completion of investigation by authorities. “Rest assured, the investigation is underway to ferret out the truth behind this incident.”