The Manila International Airport Authority is investigating the allegation of an air traveler that a screening officer stole money from his foreign friend at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport.
The complainant Jackie Freeman Yuen did not identify the screening officer but he narrated the incident in his social media account and warned the public on the matter.
“Airport security trying to scam money from my friend who knows limited English. The friend went through security alone and the security guy asked to check his bag. He started to take out all kinds of stuff from his bag and then put two hands inside for a few minutes [to open his wallet and steal some money]. He then pulled out the wallet and opened it up and asked my friend to give him HKD2000. My friend refused but he took HKD1000 anyway,” said Yuen in his Facebook account posted Monday.
He added “When I was made aware of the situation, I went back and confronted this scammer and he immediately returned HKD4000! We had no idea that he took more than the HKD1000. I had two lawyers in my group so he got a little scared and I warned him that he would be reported to the authorities if this happens again. (Same thing happened to another instructor friend but his English is far better so the security couldn’t scam him). Be aware and be safe.”
The incident reportedly happened around 4 pm at the NAIA Terminal 2.
The Airport Police Department has stepped into the case, MIAA officials said on Tuesday.