An airport security screener at NAIA Terminal 3 was caught taking ₱7,000 in cash from an Australian tourist on Good Friday, authorities reported. The incident occurred after the Office of Transportation Security (OTS) staff confiscated the tourist’s cash and bottled water during an X-ray check.

CCTV footage showed the OTS screener taking the money from the tourist’s wallet.

The Australian visitor initially filed a complaint with airport police, prompting the screener to admit that he was tempted and took the cash.

The confiscated money was promptly returned to the tourist, who forgave the screener in light of the Holy Friday observance.

DOTR-OTS Assistant Secretary Gilbert Cruz ordered an immediate investigation into the incident to address the breach of trust by the screener.

Authorities reaffirmed their commitment to strict monitoring of airport personnel to prevent similar incidents in the future.