Ninoy Aquino International Airport dollar-eating incident explained

Ninoy Aquino International Airport dollar-eating incident
Time:8:18 p.m.
Timezone:PhST
Location:Terminal 1, Ninoy Aquino International Airport, Parañaque, Philippines
Type:Theft
Target:Male Chinese national
Patrons:-->
Organizers:-->
Filmed By:NAIA CCTV
Suspects:Undisclosed 28-year old female OTS security screening officer and three accomplices
Blank Label:Money lost
Blank Data:US$300
Blank2 Data:-->

On September 8, 2023, a suspected theft incident was reported by a departing Chinese national at Ninoy Aquino International Airport in Metro Manila, Philippines.

A CCTV footage captured a female airport security personnel swallowing money – which was allegedly stolen from the passenger.

Background

A suspected theft occurred at Terminal 1 of Ninoy Aquino International Airport (a major port of entry serving Metro Manila) at 8:18 p.m. (UTC+8) on September 8, 2023.[1] The alleged victim was a male Chinese national who was about to board the plane,[2] but reportedly lost US$300 .[3]

A CCTV footage showed a female security officer allegedly stealing from the man's bag,[4] revealed to be banknotes that she then swallowed and washed down with a bottle of water given to her by a colleague.[2]

Although the alleged theft was not immediately publicized, information about the incident circulated in media group chats in mid-September. The incident would only formally be confirmed by the Office for Transportation Security (OTS), in a press release on September 19.[5]

This is the fifth theft incident recorded in the airport for 2023 alone.[4]

Suspects

The Office for Transportation Security (OTS) identified four screening officers as suspects for the theft.[4] This includes a 28-year old female personnel captured by the CCTV[6] and three more people.[4] The others include her supervisor and an X-ray operator.[1]

The female suspect denied allegations hurled against her. She insists she ate chocolates, not the missing dollar banknotes. The OTS is not convinced of her defense, noting how it is not "normal" to consume chocolate given the circumstances and how she struggled with swallowing.[7]

Reactions

Airport authorities

The Office for Transportation Security launched an investigation on the theft incident. The personnel identified to be involved in the incident were relieved from their duties.[8]

The Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) ordered the strict enforcement of its service standard policies in NAIA. It includes the no-pocket policy for personnel at NAIA, including the OTS' personnel stationed at the airport. It also ordered the improvement of its CCTV system by installing additional cameras and removing obstructions to reduce blind sports throughout the airport complex.[9]

Government agencies

Department of Transportation

Jaime Bautista, Secretary of the Department of Transportation (DOTr), urged for the maximum penalty for people who would be convicted for the incident. He instructed DOTr undersecretary for legal affairs, lawyer Reinier Yebra, to lead the process on filing legal complaints against the suspects.[2]

Congress

Members of the Senate of the Philippines have expressed embarrassment over the incident.[10] Senator Bato dela Rosa called for an investigation and resolution of the case since it could damage the country's "reputation in the international arena". His colleague Grace Poe added that the OTS should properly vet its applicants.[11] Joel Villanueva has urged to find all people responsible for the incident so that the "mafia" behind could be dismantled.[10]

The House of Representatives likewise says that it is monitoring the case.[12]

Other reactions

In relation to the privatization plans of the state-run international airport, Transport Secretary Bautista said that the incident did not impact potential investors' sentiments.[13]

The related CCTV footage also became viral in social media.[10] [11] [14]

Notes and References

  1. News: Zurbano . Joel . NAIA theft: Screening officer swallows dollar bills . 23 September 2023 . Manila Standard . 20 September 2023.
  2. News: Daguno-Bersamina . Kristine . Maximum penalty urged vs NAIA officer who swallowed stolen $300 . 23 September 2023 . The Philippine Star . 21 September 2023.
  3. News: Madarang . Catalina Ricci . NAIA security officer under fire for trying to swallow money in alleged theft . 23 September 2023 . InterAksyon . 20 September 2023.
  4. News: Sarao . Zacarian . OTS: 4 screening officers probed over Naia $300 theft case . 23 September 2023 . Philippine Daily Inquirer . 22 September 2023 . en.
  5. News: Cabayan . Itchie . OTSs Under Fire Again After Passenger Loses $300 At NAIA Terminal 1 . 23 September 2023 . Journal Online . 19 September 2023.
  6. News: Ching . Anthony . Viral OTS screening officer relieved . 23 September 2023 . Daily Tribune . 21 September 2023.
  7. News: Airport personnel says she swallowed chocolates, not dollars . 23 September 2023 . GMA News . 21 September 2023 . en.
  8. News: Authorities probe alleged theft by NAIA security officer . https://web.archive.org/web/20230920010310/https://www.cnnphilippines.com/news/2023/9/20/naia-terminal-1-theft.html . dead . September 20, 2023 . 23 September 2023 . CNN Philippines . 20 September 2023 . en.
  9. News: Sarao . Zacarian . 'No pocket policy' for airport personnel in NAIA amid theft cases — MIAA . 23 September 2023 . Philippine Daily Inquirer . 2 March 2023 . en.
  10. News: Boiser . Abby . Gascon . Melvin . Hard to swallow: NAIA 'mafia' seen in latest scandal . 23 September 2023 . Philippine Daily Inquirer . 22 September 2023 . en.
  11. News: Hachero . Ashzel . Probe pushed on viral video of 'dollar-eating' NAIA agen . 23 September 2023 . Malaya Business Insight . 21 September 2023.
  12. News: Mangaluz . Jean . House to monitor DOTr, OTS in stopping NAIA theft incidents . 23 September 2023 . Philippine Daily Inquirer . 7 March 2023 . en.
  13. News: Cordero . Ted . NAIA privatization investor sentiment unaffected by theft incident –DOTr . 23 September 2023 . GMA News . 22 September 2023 . en.
  14. News: Llemit . Kathleen . Harmful truth: What happens if you swallow money? . 23 September 2023 . The Philippine Star . 22 September 2023.