The Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) commended on Friday a building attendant for turning over to authorities a pair of socks containing dollar bills equivalent to more than P1 million, left behind by a passenger at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) – Terminal 3.
A certificate of commendation will be awarded to Rosalinda Cellero of Dear John Services Inc., the manpower agency that provides janitorial services at the airport, in MIAA’s July flag raising ceremony.
MIAA general manager Eric Jose Ines said Cellero was on duty at the terminal’s south final security checkpoint when she noticed a pair of socks under one of the benches.
Ines praised Cellero who “immediately turned over the items to the Lost and Found Section for proper disposition.”
The airport management has reviewed CCTV footage to establish the circumstances behind the incident and is waiting for the rightful owner to claim the money.
“We are delighted to have individuals like Rosalinda who exemplify strength of character and righteousness in the face of tempting situations. Her action is a testament to the values we uphold in NAIA. Truly, there are angels in our midst,” said Ines.
For the months of May and June, the MIAA has conveyed a total of 21 commendation certificates to airport workers who stay committed to the highest standards of integrity and honesty.
The Bureau of Customs is reminding travelers against transporting currency exceeding $10,000 or its equivalent in Philippine peso without proper declaration.
In 2022, Customs agents at NAIA arrested two Japanese nationals for attempting to smuggle 100,645,000 Yen (P45 million) without proper declaration.
The Central Bank of the Philippines requires faithful declaration and accomplishment of Foreign Currency Declaration Forms for the importation and exportation of foreign currency exceeding USD 10,000 or its equivalent.
Furthermore, the Anti-Money Laundering Council and Port of NAIA have discussed necessary cross-border measures concerning the transportation of currencies and monetary instruments in relation to the implementation of the eTravel System, a digital platform for collecting data on passengers arriving in and departing from the Philippines.
