We are one with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s call that we must all be the “people’s servants and not their lords.”
In view of this marching order, the Department of Transportation (DOTr) and the Office for Transportation Security (OTS) have already dismissed the three screening officers involved in the alleged baggage pilferage or tanim-bala incident that occurred at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 3 last Thursday, March 6, 2025.
Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon on Monday reiterated President Marcos’ reminder that misuse of positions by government personnel will not be condoned by the DOTr, recalling a similar incident involving Land Transportation Office (LTO) personnel who manhandled a farmer in Panglao, Bohol.
“We are sending a message loud and clear to everyone in government that we will not tolerate this sort of behavior against our citizens. We are not fooling around here,” Sec. Dizon said.
“That is the marching order of the President. Hindi porket taga-gobyerno ka, may lisensya ka mang-abuso sa tao,” he added. “We will not stand for any abuse. Any abuse will be met with the same result and the same swift action from us.”
The investigation against the three screening officers will proceed despite the immediate relief order from Sec. Dizon. Charges against the security officers will be filed once the investigation has been completed. Further, the OTS has immediately started the thorough review of the security screening protocols in relation to the said incident.
OTS Administrator Undersecretary Arthur Bisnar assures the public that abuses by officers such as the one displayed on social media, which since had gone viral, and various media outlets, will not be tolerated and go unnoticed.
“Hindi kailangang bastusin o i-harass ang ating mga pasahero para siguruhin ang security ng ating airport. Marami pong paraan para maipatupad ang security ng ating airport,” Administrator Bisnar said.
The OTS acknowledges concerns this incident may raise and assures the public that maintaining the highest standards of security at all domestic and international airports remains our paramount priority.
We are committed to upholding rigorous security measures that align with the standards and recommendations of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), and we are actively working to minimize disruptions, while ensuring the safety of all travelers.
The public is urged to report similar cases of abuse or any other form of harassment by personnel to the OTS Hotline: 0960-461-6877 or DOTr Commuter Hotline: 0920-946-3687. (DOTr)
