Philippine Airport Security Guard Caught Stealing Passenger's Money and 'Swallows It in Panic'

A security screening officer at Manila Airport in the Philippines was caught trying to swallow banknotes after stealing money from a passenger's bag, drawing public attention.

According to local Philippine media such as the Manila Bulletin, the incident occurred on the 8th at Terminal 1 of Ninoy Aquino International Airport in Manila. At the time, a Chinese traveler known as 'Mr. Chae' noticed that $300 USD had disappeared from his wallet after passing through the security checkpoint for departure. He immediately reported it to the airport police, who, upon investigation, witnessed a shocking scene on the closed-circuit television (CCTV).

A security officer at Manila Airport in the Philippines is putting an object suspected to be a bundle of money into their mouth. [Image source=YouTube channel 'News5Everywhrer' capture]

원본보기 아이콘

Security screening officer Irency Morados was caught on camera putting money into her mouth and attempting to swallow it with water. Before swallowing the banknotes, Morados received a bottle of water from a colleague and tried to swallow the bills. The CCTV footage showed Morados taking an object presumed to be folded banknotes from her waist, putting it into her mouth, drinking water, and moving her mouth as if chewing. Regarding this, an airport official revealed that the person who handed the water to Morados was Regino Allen Polante, an X-ray screening staff member.

The CCTV also captured Morados' superior, Abraham Del Luna, approaching her while she was drinking water and speaking to her. Investigators believe that Del Luna was trying to confirm Morados' destruction of evidence. Consequently, Ninoy Aquino International Airport has suspended all three individuals. The authorities are currently investigating whether they conspired together.

Meanwhile, this is not the first theft incident involving security screening officers at Philippine airports. In February, five security screening officers at Manila Airport were dismissed after being caught stealing money from a Thai passenger's bag, and in March, a security screening officer was caught stealing a smartwatch from a Chinese passenger's bag.

© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.