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Security Screening Officer At NAIA Faces Administrative Charges For Theft
Screengrab from MIAA CCTV
A security screening officer at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) is now facing administrative charges after allegedly stealing money from passengers during security checks.
The incident has drawn strong condemnation from government officials and calls for a thorough investigation.
The administrator of the Office for Transportation Security (OTS), USec Ma. O Aplasca, announced the filing of formal administrative charges against the officer.
"We filed the formal administrative charges of theft, which is now categorized as gross misconduct in our policy. Initially, from September 8 to September 14, the officer vehemently denied any wrongdoing. However, after video footage emerged, the officer changed their statement, admitting to consuming chocolate and altering their initial denial," stated USec Aplasca.
Aplasca further mentioned that investigators, in collaboration with the PNP AVSEGROUP, are working to contact the passengers who may have been affected. Legal proceedings are also underway to determine whether there were any accomplices involved in the theft.
"Despite the absence of a formal affidavit from the complainant, we have already identified two individuals initially. We are currently developing this aspect of the investigation, as all personnel assigned to our checkpoint during that period will be subjected to scrutiny for possible involvement," Aplasca added.
The Department of Transportation (DOTr) and the Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) expressed their disappointment with this latest incident of theft at NAIA.
Secretary Jaime J. Bautista expressed frustration, especially given his efforts to attract foreign investors to operate and maintain the country's main gateway.
Bautista has authorized the imposition of the maximum penalty for those found guilty, as he emphasized the department's determination to rid NAIA and its attached agencies of wrongdoers.
Bryan Co, the Officer in Charge of MIAA, stated, "Airport frontliners whose actions negate MIAA's efforts to improve service levels in our airport have no place in NAIA."
Several senators have also strongly condemned the actions of the security screening officer.
Senator Grace Poe said, "This incident is infuriating and shameful. It seems that thieves at the airport have no shortage of tricks. We ask the airport security office to thoroughly vet applicants and reevaluate the performance of existing employees."
Senator Joel Villanueva, for his part, said, "We must also find out if the officer had any accomplices in committing this crime to cut off the airport's network of wrongdoers."
Senator JV Ejercito expressed satisfaction with the OTS's actions, saying, "General Aplasca, the head of OTS, has already announced her termination. They claim to have evidence. Incidents like these should not be tolerated, and I am satisfied with OTS's response."
The incident has drawn strong condemnation from government officials and calls for a thorough investigation.
The administrator of the Office for Transportation Security (OTS), USec Ma. O Aplasca, announced the filing of formal administrative charges against the officer.
"We filed the formal administrative charges of theft, which is now categorized as gross misconduct in our policy. Initially, from September 8 to September 14, the officer vehemently denied any wrongdoing. However, after video footage emerged, the officer changed their statement, admitting to consuming chocolate and altering their initial denial," stated USec Aplasca.
Aplasca further mentioned that investigators, in collaboration with the PNP AVSEGROUP, are working to contact the passengers who may have been affected. Legal proceedings are also underway to determine whether there were any accomplices involved in the theft.
"Despite the absence of a formal affidavit from the complainant, we have already identified two individuals initially. We are currently developing this aspect of the investigation, as all personnel assigned to our checkpoint during that period will be subjected to scrutiny for possible involvement," Aplasca added.
The Department of Transportation (DOTr) and the Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) expressed their disappointment with this latest incident of theft at NAIA.
Secretary Jaime J. Bautista expressed frustration, especially given his efforts to attract foreign investors to operate and maintain the country's main gateway.
Bautista has authorized the imposition of the maximum penalty for those found guilty, as he emphasized the department's determination to rid NAIA and its attached agencies of wrongdoers.
Bryan Co, the Officer in Charge of MIAA, stated, "Airport frontliners whose actions negate MIAA's efforts to improve service levels in our airport have no place in NAIA."
Several senators have also strongly condemned the actions of the security screening officer.
Senator Grace Poe said, "This incident is infuriating and shameful. It seems that thieves at the airport have no shortage of tricks. We ask the airport security office to thoroughly vet applicants and reevaluate the performance of existing employees."
Senator Joel Villanueva, for his part, said, "We must also find out if the officer had any accomplices in committing this crime to cut off the airport's network of wrongdoers."
Senator JV Ejercito expressed satisfaction with the OTS's actions, saying, "General Aplasca, the head of OTS, has already announced her termination. They claim to have evidence. Incidents like these should not be tolerated, and I am satisfied with OTS's response."
Sep 22, 2023
