The female Security Screening Officer (SSO) has repeatedly denied that she extorted dollars from a Chinese national tourist at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) - Terminal (T1), Office for Transportation Security (OTS) Administrator Mao Aplasca said on Thursday, September 21.
In an interview during DZRH's Dos Por Dos, he said the SSO remained firm that she did not steal the $300 dollars or an estimated ₱17,000 from a Chinese national's wallet.
"Sa aming palagay, base sa recommendation ng investigators, siya talaga [ang kumuha ng pera]," Aplasca said.
He said the SSO was relieved from her post and is now staying at the OTS Central office.
Usec. Mao Aplasca, Office of Transportation Security, sa babaeng lumunok ng dollar: Nangyari itong insidente noong September 8 pa. Yung mga ebidensya, nakumpleto namin noong September 14.#ACSBalita#DosPorDos#SamaSamaTayoPilipino
— DZRH NEWS (@dzrhnews) September 20, 2023
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"Hindi na [na-recover ang dollar]. Makikita sa video na tinutulak pa niya ng kanyang kamay at umiinom pa ng tubig," Aplasca said.
The OTS Administrator said they are now looking at the possible conspiracy between the female SSO and the manager, who was also caught giving bottled water to help her swallow the stolen money.
"Hinala namin, may participation pa ang ibang members. Lahat sila will be under investigation. Nakita namin ang kanilang participation doon sa video. Marami kasi yang video clip na nakuha namin," he added.
Criminal charges will be filed against the female SSO and her accomplices once the Chinese will pursue the case, according to Aplasca.
Meanwhile, the findings released by the Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) showed that the SSO had the "intent to take the USD300 of Mr. Cai during her inspection process."
It said that the SSO "deliberately swallowed the paper bills to avoid getting caught."
"In addition, the SSO supervisor and X-Ray Operator who gave the water bottle to SSO appeared to be in connivance relative to the execution on the consequence of herein illegal act of SSO," the MIAA added.
Senator Grace Poe, who heads the Senate Committee on Public Services, expressed her anger and embarrassment at the incident.
"We ask the airport security office to properly vet applicants and reinterview existing employees to determine their qualifications and evaluate their performance," she said.
Poe said the employees found involved in the said act should be immediately investigated, face cases, and dismissed from their posts.
"Those who violate the law must be punished at once," the Senator furthered.
