MIAA issues stricter guidelines to airlines as Turkish official's wife loses jewelry box

Following the alleged robbery incident involving the wife of a Turkish foreign minister, the Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) on Saturday said it has laid down stricter protocols for airlines, ground handlers and service providers in the airport.

MIAA General Manager Ed Monreal said he has ordered airlines to submit monthly reports on pilferage, an intensified guarding of baggage on departure and arrival sections and consistent implementation of frisking of all ramp personnel.

Monreal had also ordered airlines to assure a stricter implementation of "no pockets/no jewelry/no watch" policy at the ramp.

Monreal also ordered airlines to conduct background checks on workers that they will hire.

"I expect everybody's full cooperation. I strongly urge that you come up with policies and procedures to clean your ranks so we can achieve order in our airport," Monreal said, addressing airlines.
 
"The MIAA shall exercise its authority under existing laws, over those who will not cooperate. This could mean revocation of your privilege to operate in NAIA or termination of your accreditation with us," Monreal added.

Monreal issued the guidelines after four ramp workers were apprehended for allegedly stealing the jewelry box of a Turkish foreign minister's wife.

He said two of the apprehended ramp workers have been on the MIAA's watchlist.

He said that the MIAA has been conducting surveillance operations due to several incidents of baggage theft at the airport.

Monreal said airport officials "observes protocol each time they seek help of the airlines, ground handlers or service providers in obtaining information that could help in case build up."

"They should understand why we finally have to do this. We have always been consultative with them, they know that," he said.

"However, more often than not, members of the MIAA security office are given the cold shoulder and their requests completely brushed aside," he added. —Anna Felicia Bajo/ALG, GMA News