A sling bag containing important belongings of a British couple was lost during an X-ray scan at the departure area of Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAI) Terminal 1.
The incident occurred on March 2, several months after an incident where security personnel were accused of swallowing dollar bills.
The British and his Filipino wife, identified as Daniel Lynch and Abigael, reported the loss to the Airport Police Department (APD) which prompted airport authorities to review the CCTV footage.
The footage showed Lynch inserting his sling bag into the x-ray machine. However, when checked, the security officer from Lanting Security could not find the bag inside the machine.
The bag contained a cellphone, wallet and IDs.
The couple was disappointed, but they remained grateful because they did not lose their passports and were still able to catch their flight to London.
Airport insiders said when the British couple arrived at the airport, there were several individuals in line putting their belongings through the X-ray machine.
Lanting Security firm manned the X-ray security checkpoint at the departure entrance where passengers and non-passengers entered the premises to go to the waiting area.
Meanwhile, the OTS personnel supervised the Final Security Checkpoint, where only passengers and authorized personnel can enter.
The Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) has not yet released a statement on this latest controversy.
In September of last year, several OTS employees were investigated and suspended due to a series of thefts committed by security screening officers.
One officer went so far as to swallow three $100 bills stolen from a Chinese traveler at the Manila airport.
The incident also resulted in the resignation of then-OTS chief Ma. O Aplasca.
House Speaker Martin Romualdez also proposed a comprehensive reorganization, including the replacement of all OTS staff by hiring only those who can demonstrate honesty, efficiency, and integrity through a rigorous vetting process.
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