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NAIA checker sacked for allegedly taking cash from passenger’s wallet


An airport employee has been sacked by the Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) for allegedly taking cash from a passenger's wallet during security inspection.

According to Hong Kong national Jackie Freeman Yuen, a companion of the victim, their group passed through the final security screening at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 2 for their flight back to Hong Kong on Monday afternoon.

The security screener Nissan Abellon Villarino, however, allegedly insisted on doing a manual inspection on the victim's backpack.

Villarino supposedly emptied the bag and pulled out two HK$1,000 bills, equivalent to a total of around P13,000, from the victim's wallet, despite the latter's refusal.

The screening officer was made to return the cash after the victim's English-speaking companions confronted him about his actions.

The tourists were not able to immediately file a formal complaint because they had to board the plane on time. Yuen instead messaged the MIAA through social media about the matter.

An investigation ensued and administrative charges were filed against Villarino.

According to a report by Chino Gaston in GMA's 24 Oras on Wednesday, the suspect denied that he forcibly took the cash from the foreigner.

He, however, admitted that he asked for it in jest.

"Ang tunay na nangyari doon, nung pag-inspect ko sa bag nakita ko po 'yung maraming pera niya edi biniro ko lang po siya na baka pwedeng humingi ng isa. Binigay naman po niya ng kusang loob. Lilinawin ko po na hindi ko po ninakaw," Villarino said.

"Nung pagbalik, sabi niya [HK$] 4,000 daw po 'yung binalik ko, eh [HK$] 1,000 lang naman po 'yung binigay niya," he added.

The airport employee apologized for the inconvenience he has caused to the tourists and the MIAA.

Villarino's access at the terminal was already revoked by authorities.

A formal complaint by the foreign nationals at the Philippine Consulate in Hong Kong is required so that a criminal case may also be filed against Villarino, according to the MIAA. —Dona Magsino/NB/BM, GMA News

Tags: naia, news
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