An investigation is underway following an incident that occurred at Terminal 1 of Ninoy Aquino International Airport in the Philippines.
A screening officer from the Philippines' Office of Transportation Security (OTS) was allegedly caught stealing $300 from a passenger by forcibly inserting the bills into her mouth.
On September 8, 2023, at around 8:20 p.m., a passenger by the name of Mr. Cai went through airport security at Manila Ninoy Aquino International Airport in the Philippines.
Then, an employee of the Office of Transportation Security (OTS) inspected his shoulder bag. However, when the bag was returned to him, he noticed that his wallet had been opened and money was missing, totaling $300 (£240).
Subsequently, an airport security official has been accused of stealing the money. CCTV footage even revealed the airport security official stuffing what authorities believe to be dollar bills into her mouth.
The report showed that she was 'clearly seen deliberately swallowing the dollar bills, folded into one small piece'.
It is evident that she had difficulty swallowing the bills, even though she had also drunk a bottle of water earlier. However, some passengers attempted to engage her in conversation, but she didn't respond and ignored them.
Then, a supervisor approached her while she appeared to be struggling, using her handkerchief to cover her mouth.
On Monday, according to the OTS, the identity of the security officer involved in the incident has been established.
The OTS said in a statement to CNN on 18 September: 'Upon receipt of the information about the recent allegations of theft involving a Security Screening Officer (SSO) at Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 1, where cash amounting to three hundred (300) US dollars went missing, the Office for Transportation Security (OTS) took actions to validate the information and launch its fact-finding investigation.'
Following the first reported theft at the security screening point, OTS Administrator Undersecretary Ma. O. Aplasca announced the implementation of enhanced security measures. These measures included the removal of jackets and thorough inspections of security officers' uniform pockets.
Mr. Aplasca also mentioned that the staff members involved were immediately dismissed, and prosecuted, and the incident was reported to the public.
Subsequently, the video footage was shared on Reddit, leading to hundreds of user comments on the matter.
Watching the video below:
