The Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) is planning to remove gang chairs from the arrival area of NAIA Terminal 3, as it has become a sleeping area, exposing well-wishers to potential dangers from individuals with criminal intentions, especially members of the “Salisi Gang.”
MIAA general manager Eric Jose Ines said the terminal manager and other officials have requested the removal of the gang chairs after Holy Week, after evaluating the pros and cons of the present situation.
The public is also advised to avoid crowds and stay in the departure or arrival area longer than necessary, as the number of people loitering, slumping, and sleeping on the floors has become an issue for maintaining order and security.
“The space is filling up, with some individuals being well-wishers and others simply hanging around and staying longer due to the comfort of air conditioning,” said Ines.
According to Ines, one problem with allowing too many people in the area is that it is difficult for them to distinguish between legitimate well-wishers and those with ill or criminal intent.
In the past, there have been cases of theft in the area by criminal elements blending in with those waiting for their passengers to come out.
NAIA Terminal 3 is the only premier airport terminal where outsiders are allowed inside for long periods of time.
A Japanese national was previously a victim of members of the Salisi Gang. He told the police that his hand-carry bag was stolen from his trolley at bay 13 of the terminal’s north-wing arrival area.
The bag contained US dollars and Japanese Yen, which is equivalent to 170,000 Philippine pesos; three different credit cards, a Cannon camera and his return plane ticket to Japan.
Also, an arriving overseas Filipino worker said while taking lunch with her family at the fast food restaurant in the arrival area, her Longchamp bag disappeared. The bag contains cash, her passport, cards, and other valuables.
Authorities said Salisi Gang members lurk anywhere where there are people — malls, restaurants, airports, fast food joints, and computer shops — and are just waiting for victims to get distracted. They either divert their victims’ attention or wait until their targets are distracted before they move in for the kill.