Senator Grace Poe called the video of security screening officers (SSOs) at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport stealing money from a departing Thai tourist outrageous, embarrassing, and unacceptable.
In a report by Mav Gonzales on GMA News “24 Oras” this Monday, the victim’s companion took a video of NAIA security officers taking the money worth ¥20,000 or approximately P8,000.
The video went viral on social media last week.
Poe is submitting a report regarding the incident to the Manila International Airport Authority and the Office for Transportation Security (OTS).
“Parang ambilis no? Importante talaga na may high resolution CCTV siguro yung airport kasi yung sinasabi nila na sleight of hand, alam mo ‘yun? ‘Yung mabilis na parang di mo mahahalata. Turista na nga eh. Gusto natin na maraming pumunta na turista dito,” said Poe, chairperson of the Senate public services committee.
In the video, it can be seen that the security officer pocketed something at the checkpoint. In another video, the foreigner can be seen asking for the money to be returned.
After the money was returned, the security officer asked the Thai tourist to delete the recorded video.
NAIA security officers caught on cam stealing Thai tourist’s money
According to the OTS, the personnel involved have been placed under preventive suspension and are being investigated.
They also condemned the incident, which they said they would not tolerate.
“We will apply the full force of the law to penalize the perpetrators…Our government has been trying to invite tourists…these corrupt OTS personnel are undermining and negating the gains of our efforts,” the agency said.
According to Poe, the CCTV footage at the airport should be reviewed. It is said that this is not the first time such an incident has occurred.
Even her employee, she said, suddenly lost his Apple watch when going through security.
However, she said that the salary of the security officers should also be studied, which may be the reason why some staff at the airport think poorly.
“Walang excuse sa paggawa ng bagay na ilegal. Pero ang totoo no’n ‘pag sobrang gipit ka, mas lalo kang mae-enganyo gumawa ng mga ganitong kalokohan,” she said.