Some stranded individuals at NAIA duped by sellers of fake plane tickets

Some individuals at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) waiting for their flights back to their home provinces have been victimized by people selling fake plane tickets.

These Locally Stranded Individuals or LSIs who were waiting at the NAIA Terminal 3 for three days were transferred to the Villamor Air Base Elementary School, according to a 24 report by Raffy Tima on Thursday.

Those without medical certificates had to undergo rapid testing.

The LSIs who do not have tickets went to the airport to try their luck, including a group from Cotabato. The group claimed that some of their companions who had no tickets were able to fly back home to Davao.

"Lahat ng taga-Davao walang ticket nakaalis na eh. North Cotabato na kami. Siyempre matagal na kami dito, ilang buwan na kami, so ginrab namin 'yung opportunity na makauwi," said Mary Joy Bation.

The Department of Transportation (DOTr) clarified the Davao group was able to catch the sweeper flights on the weekend. However, those with tickets but canceled flights will still be prioritized.

Upon verification by authorities, some LSIs were also found to possess fake tickets.

Authorities said some LSIs were approached by those who pretended to book their flights then carted away with their money.

"Pinresent na sa check in counter 'yung ticket, it turned out fake po 'yung ticket. So nananawagan kami sa ibang mga kababayan natin, hindi ho ito 'yung panahon ng panloloko o panlilinlang sa mga kapus-palad nating kababayan. Nalalagay na nga sila sa hindi magandang sitwasyon, nakukuha pa nating manloko," said DOTr Assistant Secretary Eymard Eje.

Other money agencies were also taking advantage of the situation, who told their applicants to go to the NAIA Terminal 3 to try their luck.

"Ginawa ho yata ito ng mga money agencies para mapalabas lang 'yung mga binabantayan nila or inaalagaan nila. Itutulak po namin 'yung pag-iimbestiga doon sa mga insidente," Eje added.

The number of LSIs under the NAIA elevated expressway continued to increase.

Al Munching Tambuto and Thelma Tambuto were told their flight for next week was cancelled, but they chose to go to NAIA for the public to see their situation.

"Kinansel (cancel) na naman ulit hanggang June 6, pagkatapos June 16, ikinansel naging July 13 na po. Hindi na po kami nakakapagtiis ngayon sir kasi panglimang rebook na po namin ito. At saka mas pipiliin pa po naming tumira dito para mapansin po ng karamihan kesa po titira kami sa pinag-uupahan namin, okay lang sana kung may maibabayad sa pinagpaupahan," said Tambuto, a former OFW.

Assistance poured in from private individuals, groups and NGOs after the media reported about their situation.

They were given food, water, and water dispensers. One restaurant also offered them halal food.

"Ngayon lang po sila nagbigay ng halal kasi po parang nakikita namin na may pork po 'yung binibigay nilang pagkain," said Thelma Tambuto.

"Ang pakikiusap namin sana sa LGUs na kung nakikita nila man ito kung gaano talaga ang paghihirap ng mga tao dito na gustong makabalik sa home town namin, kailangan bibigyan nila ng pansin at saka unawain nila ang tao," Tambuto added.

The Armed Forces of the Philippines based in the National Capital Region coordinated with the MMDA to provide portalets while airline companies, the DOTr and the DILG are already addressing the situation.  -- Jamil Santos/BAP, GMA News