Two weeks after the incident when a lady screening officer was accused of swallowing three $100 bills allegedly taken from the wallet of a departing Chinese passenger at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 1, her supervisor broke his silence.
Security Screening Officer Abraham de Luna, head supervisor of the Office for Transportation Security (OTS), faced NAIA reporters to clear his name and denied allegations that he was aware of the September 8 incident. He said that during that time, we had so many passengers to assist.
"I did not order the lady SSO to swallow the dollars and the water came from our pantry," said De Luna.
This statement was contrary to the claim of Airport authorities that "the supervisor tried to help the lady to swallow and he gave her the bottled water."
The unnamed OTS lady was caught on Close Circuit Television (CCTV) putting "something" in her mouth and drank water. But she said she was only eating chocolate.
OTS Administrator Ma. O Aplasca confirmed Friday that they received the counter affidavit of the accused Friday last week where she continues to deny the allegations that she swallowed the dollar bills.
OTS source said that it is not the normal way to eat chocolate by pushing something to her throat with her finger and drinking bottled water after.
The case is still under investigation.
The Department of Transportation (DOTr) Secretary Jaime Bautista further directed Undersecretary for Legal Atty. Reinier Yebra to assist in filing the complaints against those determined to have connived in stealing from the hand-carried bag of a departing Chinese passenger.
The transport secretary directed the OTS to immediately file the necessary charges against security screening personnel found involved in a September 8 theft incident at the NAIA Terminal 1.
Bautista expressed frustration and dismay at the incident at NAIA as he was recently trying to promote among potential foreign investors who may want to operate and maintain the country's main gateway.
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