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by Jacque Manabat, ABS-CBN News
Items believed to have been stolen from passengers’ bags were discovered in the lockers of six baggage handlers at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 3.
Photos released by the Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) show the stolen items, which include pieces of jewelry, wristwatches, blankets, and several padlocks.
The MIAA said these items were discovered by intelligence agents upon checking the lockers of six baggage handlers.
MIAA general manager Jose Honrado expressed alarm over the incidents of theft happening inside the airport.
“Alarming talaga,” Honrado said. “Imagine gaano kalaki ang susi ng maleta. Maliit lang yan, i-ganyan mo lang, tanggal na.”
The six baggage handlers have been suspended while investigation is ongoing.
According to Honrado, these station loaders are not MIAA nor NAIA personnel. They are outsourced by the airlines, he said.
To address the issue, MIAA officials met with the group of baggage handlers to tackle strategies on how to stop the pilferage activities.
MIAA gave the bag handlers two weeks to come up with a proposal. MIAA is planning to propose a spot inspection of lockers and that the ground handlers wear pants with no pockets.
Honrado, meanwhile, advised passengers to refrain from putting valuables in their check-in baggage.
“Huwag kayo maglagay ng valuable… Sino loko-lokong maglalagay ng P10,000 o ng jewelry? Sa hand carry mo ilagay yan,” he said.
This article has been re-published with permission from ABS-CBNnews.com.
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