Airport personnel says she swallowed chocolates, not dollars

The Office of Transportation Security (OTS) personnel allegedly behind the recent theft at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 1 said she swallowed chocolates, not the missing $300.

According to a "24 Oras" report by Joseph Morong on Thursday, a supplemental affidavit was submitted by the implicated staff to insist that she did not steal and swallow the money.

Despite this, the OTS fact finding team was not convinced.

“Hindi naman normal na kumain ng tsokolate, hirap na hirap at tinutulak pa nya ng tubig. Hindi mo kailangan ng tubig. ‘Yun talaga ang paniniwala nila, na hindi yun tsokolate,” said OTS administrator Undersecretary Mao Aplasca.

The OTS earlier placed the said staff member, along with her supervisor and another personnel who handed her the bottled water, under preventive suspension.  They are also facing an administrative case for grave misconduct.

Possible theft charges may also be filed against them if proven guilty.

“Nakakagalit na itong insidenteng ito, paulit ulit siguro iniisip ng mga tao na ito na hindi naman magpo-prosper yung criminal case dahil wala yung complainant, hindi na interested. Gagawa kami ng mga paraan na legal,” Aplasca said.

At least 14 other OTS personnel who were on duty on the same day are also being investigated.

Meanwhile, Manila International Airport Authority officer-in-charge Bryan Co expressed his dismay over the recent incident, saying this jeopardizes the efforts to improve NAIA'S services.

Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista also recommended a maximum penalty for any airport personnel proven guilty over the incident.—Jiselle Anne Casucian/LDF, GMA Integrated News