3 airport security officers sacked over Australian’s lost cash
Three airport employees are being investigated and may be charged criminally and administratively after a Cebu-bound Australian national undergoing luggage screening at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (Naia) Terminal 3 lost almost P9,000 in cash last week.
The Department of Transportation (DOTr) said Secretary Giovanni Lopez has ordered an investigation and the relief of three employees of the Office for Transportation Security (OTS)—two security screening officers and a supervisor—after the Australian national reported the loss of his money consisting of P7,000 and 1,000 Taiwanese dollars (roughly P1,900).
Lopez also directed the OTS to conduct a thorough inspection of passengers’ bags and a close watch on security screening officers.
The OTS is under the jurisdiction of the DOTr.
“If some OTS security screening officers are proven to have taken the lead in violating the law, including stealing the possessions or money of passengers, they will certainly be held accountable and we will make sure the guilty ones will be punished,” Lopez said.
He also urged passengers to report any airport personnel engaged in suspicious or illegal activities but also suggested that they refrain from bringing prohibited items to avoid having their bags opened and inspected.
OTS Administrator Undersecretary Gilberto DC Cruz said “Any violation of trust or misconduct will be thoroughly investigated, and those found responsible will face appropriate consequences, both criminal and administrative punishments, if warranted.”
