Department of Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista has directed the Office of Transportation Security (OTS) to charge the security screener accused of stealing and swallowing $300 from a leaving passenger.

At Terminal 1 of Ninoy Aquino International Airport (Naia), a traveler lost $300 on September 8, according to a checkpoint supervisor. A female security guard was seen on CCTV tape grabbing money and swallowing it.

The Transportation Department stated that the OTS had suggested penalizing the security screener through legal and administrative channels, and the OTS previously stated that the Manila International Airport Authority and the Philippine National Police Aviation Security are cooperating on the case.

“The Secretary has authorized imposing the maximum penalty to those found guilty to demonstrate the Department’s determined push to rid NAIA as well as other attached agencies of scalawags,” the DOTr said in a statement on Thursday.

According to the DOTr, Bautista expressed frustration due to the fact that the present administration has been actively encouraging international groups to invest in the country’s primary gateway.

Those found to have conspired in the suspected theft will also face charges, according to Bautista.

The OTS has already recommended that the security screener be charged both legally and administratively, and has placed the staff on preventive suspension while conducting its inquiry.

Photo: MIAA CCTV Screengrab courtesy of Raoul Esperas