Three Ninoy Aquino International Airport security personnel are facing criminal and administrative complaints after an Australian passenger reported losing P7,000 from her bag during a routine baggage inspection on Good Friday, the Philippine STAR reported.
The woman discovered the money was missing only when she could not pay for a bottle of water near her boarding gate — the loss tracing back to a table inspection carried out by two screening officers and a supervisor at Terminal 3 on Apr. 3.
Department of Transportation Secretary Giovanni Lopez has since ordered stricter bag inspection procedures and closer monitoring of Office for Transportation Security (OTS) screening officers across the airport. He also called on passengers to flag any suspicious behavior by airport staff.
“Kung mapatunayan na ang ilang mga OTS Security Screening Officers ang nangunguna sa paglabag ng batas kabilang na ang pagnanakaw ng mga gamit o pera ng mga pasahero, tiyak na may kalalagyan kayo at sisiguraduhin naming mapaparusahan ang mga nagkasala,” Lopez said.
OTS Administrator Gilberto DC Cruz removed all three personnel from their posts following the incident. The Philippine STAR reported on Apr. 5 that the suspects admitted to the theft, and the tourist indicated she would not be pursuing charges.
“We do not tolerate such acts within our organization. Any violation of trust or misconduct will be thoroughly investigated, and those found responsible will face appropriate consequences, both criminal and administrative punishments, if warranted,” Cruz said.
Cruz added that the agency remains committed to maintaining integrity standards while protecting the safety of all passengers moving through its terminals.
