‘MALALA NA’ | Administrative case awaits airport staff who swallowed $300, criminal case also eyed

September 21, 2023 , 11:06 AM

By Beatrice Puente

(September 21, 2023) – The Office for Transportation Security (OTS) on Thursday said the female personnel who swallowed $300 allegedly stolen from a foreign passenger will face administrative charges but the investigation will continue to hold accountable all involved parties.

OTS Usec. Ma.O Aplasca said two other staff members are under preventive suspension. He added that all of those assigned to the checkpoint area will be subject to the probe.

“Tinatanggi niya (female personnel) na may kinuha siyang pera,” said Aplasca on Ted Failon and DJ Chacha sa Radyo 5. “Sabi niya parang meron lang siyang tsokolate pero makikita natin sa video na hindi naman normal na kapag kumain ka ng tsokolate ay ganun ang gagawin mo. At bawal sa procedure namin na kumain sa checkpoint (area).”

Last September 8, a foreign traveler complained about losing his $300 or around P17,000 after passing through the baggage checkpoint at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 1.

“Nagkaroon ng manual inspection, as part of procedure na ‘pag medyo doubtful ang x-ray operator, we have to recommend the conduct of manual inspection sa baggage na medyo kuwestiyonable,” explained Aplasca.

In a now-viral video, the female staff was seen swallowing what appeared to be a wad of cash. Citing due process, Aplasca said they are not disclosing the name of the 28-year-old worker, who has been with the OTS for seven years, while the investigation is still ongoing.

The Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) described the incident as “disappointing.” But MIAA officer in charge Bryan Co expressed confidence in the investigation being done by the OTS regarding the issue.

“We believe that they are doing what is necessary to police their ranks and protect the reputation of the greater majority of frontliners who remain true to their oath of office,” said Co in a statement.

Aplasca said the serious misconduct of the erring personnel could lead to her dismissal, noting that it was the first time that the female worker was involved in such an offense. Aplasca added that they are looking into the filing of a criminal case as well.

“We assure na gagawin namin ang lahat para malinis namin ang aming hanay at hindi kami titigil hanggang ang pinakahuling scalawag ay maalis sa aming organisasyon,” vowed Aplasca. “Huwag tayong papayag na ang ilang tiwali ay sirain ang reputasyon ng ating organisasyon.”

Earlier, Sen. Bato Dela Rosa said the OTS and the Department of Transportation (DOTr) must work double time in addressing the issue because of its grave impact on the country’s reputation.

DOTr secretary Jaime Bautista already sought the “maximum penalty” for all those involved in the incident.

“Malala na ito kung totoong kinakain ang pera just to avoid getting caught. We are hurting our own reputation before the international arena if this crime is not addressed immediately,” said Dela Rosa.

(PM)

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