May.27, 2010, 12:00 AM

MANILA, Philippines - Manila International Airport Authority with the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) and airport police intercepted a money laundering suspect bound for Hong Kong who tried to bring out more than P12 million in two carry-on bags yesterday morning.

Manila International Airport general manager Melvin Matibag identified the suspect as Ansari Tago of Maharlika Village, Taguig City who was intercepted at the NAIA Terminal 3 about to board the Cebu Pacific Air 5J 108 around 4 a.m.

Matibag said that the money in denominations of P1,000 and P500 bills, were placed in two Samsonite bags. Tago has been under surveillance for months due to his activities transporting Philippine pesos to Hongkong. He is a frequent traveler Manila- Hongkong –Manila.

Matibag to said he will also investigate how Tago was able to pass the initial and final security checks without being noticed by Philippine National Police non-uniformed personnel who man the X-ray machines at the Terminal 3. He said they are checking for the possible involvement of some MIAA employees.

He said that assistant general manager for security and emergency services Col. Rene Gonzales is looking for Customs and immigration employees who tried to protect Tago from being arrested and they were later invited to Camp Crame for questioning.

Matibag also said that Tago is reportedly in surveillance “casing na siya na madalas siyang nag bibiyahe patungong Hongkong may dala-dalang mga millions of pesos s and there is an intention to launder iyong pera natin.”

Matibag warned the riding public “not to do illegal acts or criminal acts or even terroristic acts within the premises of the airport because we are always watching.”

Tago including the Customs and immigration personnel were brought to the CIDG office in Camp Crame.