DOTr warns airport screeners after NAIA theft incident

The Department of Transportation (DOTr) on Sunday ordered the Office for Transportation Security (OTS) to strictly monitor airport security screening officers following the recent relief of three personnel accused of stealing cash from a foreign passenger.

The directive comes in response to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s call to ensure honest and reliable service from airport personnel, especially amid the expected influx of passengers returning from the provinces or abroad after the Holy Week.

“Kung mapatunayan na ang ilang mga OTS Security Screening Officers ang nangunguna sa paglabag ng batas, kabilang na ang pagnanakaw ng mga gamit o pera ng mga pasahero, tiyak na may kalalagyan kayo at sisiguruhin naming mapaparusahan ang mga nagkasala,” DOTr Secretary Giovanni “Banoy” Lopez said in a statement.

(If it is proven that certain OTS Security Screening Officers are leading violations of the law, including the theft of passengers’ belongings or money, you will certainly face the consequences, and we will ensure that those responsible are punished.)

The DOTr warned that erring airport personnel will face legal action.

The department said two security screening officers and a supervisor at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3 were relieved from their posts after an Australian national reported losing P7,000 and NTD 1,000 (P1,800).

They are also facing criminal and administrative charges.

The DOTr also encouraged passengers to report any suspicious activity or misconduct by airport personnel.

It likewise reminded travelers to avoid bringing prohibited items in their baggage.—MCG, GMA News