NAIA security officer sacked, probed for extortion
A SECURITY Screening Officer (SSO) reportedly involved in extorting Y20,000 or P8,000 to departing tourists last February 22 at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 2 was sacked and placed under investigation by the Office of Transportation Security (OTS).
In a statement, the OTS said the agency took immediate actions to identify the involved SSOs. Subsequently, they were relieved from their duty and were placed under preventive suspension. OTS investigators are now preparing to file the appropriate administrative cases.
OTS said criminal cases will be filed against the security officer and assured the public they would seek the cooperation of the victimized foreign nationals to expedite the filing of an airtight case.
“These illegal acts will not be tolerated and we will apply the full force of the law to penalize the perpetrators. They shall not only be dismissed from the service but shall also be put behind bars for their criminal acts that tarnish the reputation and integrity not only of OTS but the entire country in general”, said OTSO in a statement
“Our government has been trying to invite tourists and investors to come to the Philippines to prime the economy. But these corrupt OTS personnel are undermining and negating the gains of our efforts. These corrupt and illegal acts shall not be tolerated to send a strong message that we are serious in cleansing our ranks.”
Since July 2022, The OTS internal cleansing program led to the dismissal of 14 erring personnel, three were suspended, while six cases are now being resolved by the OTS Legal Service.
These cases range from violation of the OTS No Tipping Policy, violation in the proper disposal of intercepted prohibited items, extortion, rude behavior, and use of mobile phones while on duty.
“We would like to assure everyone that the OTS management will exhaust all available strategies to correct the lapses in our operations by nurturing a new culture of professionalism, integrity and commitment for public service.”
