The Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) on Thursday said it will implement a "no pocket policy" for the uniforms and jackets worn by Security Screening Officers (SSO) deployed at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA).
This comes after the reported incidents of extortion and theft at NAIA Terminals 1 and 2.
On Monday, the Office for Transportation Security (OTS) preventively suspended two SSOs who allegedly extorted money from a departing Thai tourist during a screening checkpoint.
Meanwhile, police authorities have arrested an SSO personnel, who was caught stealing a smart watch from a Chinese national.
"We strongly condemn such unscrupulous, illicit, and selfish acts. Theft violates the trust and integrity required of public servants, and has serious negative consequences for the airport, its stakeholders, and the country as a whole,” MIAA General Manager Cesar Chiong said in a statement.
He assured that criminal charges will be filed against the two SSO personnel who extorted money from a Thai official.
Apart from the "no pocket policy", the MIAA General Manager said he ordered the installation of an additional closed-circuit camera (CCTVs) on top of the screening machine at NAIA Terminal 2 as well as the removal of the film covering the glass panels.
"We are trying to remove all possible forms of obstruction. This is one of our major deterrents to illegal acts such as pilferage or theft. These facility changes will not be limited to Terminal 2,” Chiong said.
He said that he likewise ordered strict enforcement of policies which includes "prohibiting security personnel who interact directly with passengers from bringing bags into their area of assignment."
