Manila International Airport Authority general manager Cesar Chiong has commended an aviation security (Avsec) officer for honesty after the employee turned over to airport management a bag containing P1.4 million.
Avsec Albert Bautista was on duty at the domestic arrival area of Ninoy Aquino International Airport – Terminal 2 on Jan. 4 when he saw a blue trolley bag in one of the chairs between Bay 8 and 9.
Thinking that the bag might contain valuables, Bautista immediately sought the assistance of the Airport Police officer on duty and the paging section to look for the owner. but no one came to claim the bag despite several announcements.
As part of security protocol, the airport management cordoned-off the area and called the Philippine National Police Explosive Ordinance Disposal and Canine Group to conduct an inspection.
The policemen cleared the baggage of any explosive elements and during the inventory, the bag was found to contain P1.4 million pesos, personal effects and identification cards of Mayor Hanie Bud of Maluso, Basilan.
Chiong and other airport officials praised Bautista and handed him a certificate of commendation during a simple ceremony at the MIAA administration office Monday.
“All of us here in MIAA, we appreciate very much your worthy contribution to promote NAIA as a safe and secured gateway to the Philippines. We are are proud of you,” Chiong said. Joel E. Zurbano
In his Facebook account, Mayor Bud stated “On my way, my wife called me saying that someone from the NAIA Terminal 2 informed her that I left my luggage in the waiting area. I was shocked. Maybe because I had so much in mind, I forgot my luggage which contains important things I needed. So, I immediately rushed back to the airport since no one is allowed to claim it but myself.”