OFW passengers warned against incidents of theft at NAIA this holiday season

The Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) is bracing for the influx of airline passengers at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) this holiday season.

MIAA General Manager Ed Monreal noted the surge of arriving overseas Filipino workers (OFW) and tourists who wish to spend their vacation in the Philippines this December.

In line with this, the MIAA reminded travelers to be vigilant against pickpockets and thieves who are expected to take advantage of the busy atmosphere in NAIA.

“Recently may mga nahuli kaming snatchers (nakakuha ng) worth of P120,000. May isa naman po na nahuli kami almost P250,000 ang nakuha. Naresolved po ng ating kapulisan iyan,” Monreal said.

The official assured that airport security personnel are on guard to maintain peace and order as well as passenger safety within the premises of the airport.

He noted, however, that it is still inevitable that outlaws will take advantage of the situation and work to dupe arriving balikbayans.

“Huwag po silang makikinig sa mga taong hindi nila kakilala na trying to win their trust na kesyo kung anong ipadadala. Huwag na huwag silang gagawa noon dahil baka masingitan tayo o ang ating dala-dala ay nakawin,” GM Monreal said.

Monreal also called on passengers to immediately coordinate with their respective airline companies in case of loss of belongings.

“Kung meron po silang nawawalang gamit and they feel that their bags are tampered, mayroon sa tingin nila nawawala, timbangin kaagad i-report sa airline (company). Nandyan po ang mga kawani ng airline sa arrival, i-document. Kasi unang una po hindi kawani ng MIAA ang humahawak sa mga bagahe; airline representative po iyan,” he said.

All baggage handlers at NAIA are now equipped with body cameras.

They are also not allowed to wear clothes with pockets as well as personal pieces of jewelry.