OTS security screeners lauded for returning smartphone, personal items to passenger

The Office for Transportation Security (OTS) lauded Security Screening Officers (SSOs) for "demonstrating honesty and integrity" in returning a smartphone and some personal items left behind by a passenger at the Bohol-Panglao International Airport.

The OTS said SSO Jessie Quintia while performing his work as baggage inspector immediately reported the items to Checkpoint Supervisor Maryjoy Villarin, who then requested that an announcement be made to locate the owner.

"A few minutes later, a passenger approached the OTS team for assistance regarding his missing smartphone and personal items," the OTS said in a statement.

"Following standard verification procedures, the ownership was confirmed through processes such as unlocking the device. The items were then immediately returned to the passenger after due incident recording."

OTS Administrator Undersecretary Gilberto DC Cruz underscored the importance of integrity in public service, emphasizing that honesty remains a core of effective security operations.

“Honesty is not only a professional duty but a fundamental value that defines public service. Kahit gaano pa kaliit na bagay ang ating naisasauli, malaking bagay ito sa pagbuo ng tiwala ng publiko sa ating ahensya. Hindi lang tayo naka-assign para siguraduhin ang seguridad ng ating transportasyon, kundi para na rin pangalagaan ang tiwala at kumpiyansa ng bawat pasahero sa ating serbisyo,” he said. — BAP, GMA Integrated News