Another alleged theft has been reported at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 1, months after the controversial dollar-swallowing case involving security personnel.
A British national and his Filipina wife lost a sling bag containing valuable items while undergoing an X-ray machine for luggage at the departure area.
The couple immediately reported the loss to the airport police department and requested a review of the CCTV footage. The footage showed the British national inserting his sling bag into the X-ray machine, but the security officer could not find the bag inside the machine.
The couple expressed disappointment but were still “thankful” because they did not lose their passports and they were still able to board their flight bound for London.
The Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) has yet to release a statement on this latest controversy.
In September, some personnel of the Office for Transportation Security (OTS) were investigated and suspended due to a series of thefts involving security screening officers at the airport, including one who swallowed three $100 bills from a Chinese traveler departing Manila.
The incident also resulted in the resignation of then-OTS chief Ma. O Aplasca.
The case also prompted House Speaker Martin Romualdez to recommend a complete reorganization and suggested that the Department of Transportation replace the entire OTS workforce, and re-hire only those who would pass a strict vetting process based on their honesty, efficiency, and integrity.
