Ninoy Aquino International Airport dollar-eating incident
CCTV footage showing a female security officer swallowing allegedly stolen banknotes
DateSeptember 8, 2023
Time8:18 p.m. (PhST)
LocationTerminal 1, Ninoy Aquino International Airport, Parañaque, Philippines
TypeTheft
TargetMale Chinese national
Filmed byNAIA CCTV
SuspectsUndisclosed 28-year old female OTS security screening officer and three accomplices
Money lostUS$300 (₱17,033)

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 victim was a male Chinese national who is departing from the airport.[2] He reportedly lost US$300 (₱17,033).[3]

A subsequent CCTV footage showed a female security officer apparently stealing from the victim's bag.[4] The footage suggests that she swallowed the stolen banknotes and drank some water given by a colleague.[2]

The theft was not immediately publicized with information about the incident circulating in media group chats as early as mid-September. The incident would only formally be confirmed to have occurred 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]

References

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