2 Bacolod airport men face suspension for snake incident

At least two airport security officers at the Bacolod airport face suspension for allowing an airline passenger to carry some 100 snakes and reptiles on Tuesday, Sun-Star newspaper reported Thursday. In a report on its website, the newspaper said Chief Insp. Leonardo Olandesca Jr., Aviation Security Group chief for the Bacolod Airport Station, recommended the sanctions against ASG deputy commander Senior Police Officer 3 Nelson Donesa and SPO2 Arnel Villanueva. Olandesca said he recommended that Donesa, whom he designated ASG officer-in-charge while he was on leave, be cited for neglect of duty, which could merit a 60-day suspension. But he said the two "will be given due process to answer the administrative cases filed against them," and are still on duty pending the results of the investigation of the ASG national office. Olandesca said Donesa likely designated Villanueva as supervisor at the PAL/Air Philippines Terminal. He recommended that Villanueva be slapped a citation for simple irregularity in the performance of duty, which may net a 30-day suspension. Vascon Semillano, the baggage x-ray operator, was exonerated from any administrative or criminal charges. "Semillano immediately informed Donesa of the suspected images found at the baggage x-ray machine from the luggage of Vergara but Donesa failed to act on it," Olandesca said. He added that Donesa being the ASG-OIC should have exercised his power by inspecting the luggage of any of the passengers for the safety of all plane passengers. On the other hand, PAL Bacolod manager Job Lamela said PAL has nothing to do with the security lapses committed by the ASG personnel. Lamela said Olandesca assured him of an in-depth investigation and prevent the same incident from happening again. "The safety of passengers is our top priority. I am hoping that the ASG personnel will correct whatever lapses were found," said Lamela. Customs personnel had intercepted the reptiles placed in a suitcase and luggage of Erlinda Vergara, a resident of Bacolod City. Vergara was arrested at the baggage check-in counter of the NAIA Centennial Terminal at around 10 a.m. Wednesday. She was booked in Philippine Airlines flight PR 730. She is currently facing criminal charges for illegal trafficking of endangered animals and for violation of Customs laws. –GMANews.TV