Airport security guard returns passenger’s luggage with P1.5-M

FILE: HONEST AIRPORT PERSONNEL. A security guard at the Puerto Princesa International Airport returned a luggage containing PHP1.5 million to a certain Danilo Dequito on July 31. (Photo courtesy of Percy Malonesio, Area Manager, Area IV of CAAP)

MANILA — A security guard at the Puerto Princesa International Airport returned a luggage containing PHP1.5 million.

At about 8 a.m. on July 31, Jovani Yumen noticed a blue luggage beside a flower box at the arrival area of the airport.

Yumen called the attention of the airport security assistant on duty, Jel Anthony Cervantes, who then immediately sought K9 IED (improvised explosive device) inspection from the Philippine National Police’s Aviation Security Unit.

After the K9 inspection yielded a negative result, tourist police examined the contents of the luggage, which contained a black jacket, a wallet with identification cards belonging to a certain Danilo Dequito, and an envelope containing 15 bundles of PHP100,000 totaling PHP1.5 million.

More than an hour later, Dequito went to the arrival area looking for his luggage. Upon presenting proof of identification, he claimed his luggage and examined its contents. Dequito counted his money and found everything intact and complete.

Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade commended the airport employees for their honesty and professionalism and for following aviation security and police procedures.

“Even small acts of honesty and just by simply following the proper procedures are important in showing the integrity of our offices,” Tugade said.

“Salute to CAAP and the employees of Puerto Princesa International Airport. They set the bar high, and this should be the norm for all of us public servants,” he added. (DOTr-CAAP PR)