MIAA exec: CCTV footage belies theft claim vs. airport personnel

Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) General Manager Ed Monreal on Thursday defended airport personnel accused of harassing and trying to steal from a balikbayan family at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport.

In a report by GMA News' Steve Dailisan on 24 Oras, Montreal said CCTV footage of the incident shows no wrongdoings on the part of the examiner from the Office of Transportation Security.

"'Pag tama ho ang ginagawa ng aming mga tauhan, nasa likod ho kami nila, which I think on this particular situation, wala hong ginawang paglabag yung OTS screeners. Nakita ho natin. At ginagawa lang ho nila ang trabaho nila," Montreal said.

In a post on Facebook, Jorge Hizon said his sister's grandchild lost his Apple smartwatch after putting it on a basket together with his backpack and other belongings for the X-ray scanner.

However, contrary to claims that it took airport personnel 30 minutes to locate the item after the family caused a ruckus, the footage shows the watch was found after only three minutes.

The incident reportedly happened on October 20. Hizon's post went viral on social media and has resulted in criticisms against NAIA and its personnel.

Montreal said the accusation had no basis and was unfair to OTS personnel and NAIA's administration.

"Walang basis ho yung pagke-claim na ganun ang nangyari. That's not fair naman sa amin. Para naman kaming binubugbug. Nakadapa na, aapakan pa," he said. —Rie Takumi/KBK, GMA News