25 people caught stealing relief items in Villamor Airbase

MANILA, Philippines - The Philippine Air Force has apprehended a total of 25 persons caught stealing relief goods from the Villamor Airbase in Pasay City.

Air Force spokesman Col. Miguel Okol said the arrested persons were posing as volunteers and evacuees affected by typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan). They were apprehended in separate operations conducted by Air Force authorities since November 16.

“They were arrested due to our efficient and effective security measures,” Okol said.

“I would say it’s more of qualified theft by unscrupulous people who are posing as a group of evacuees or volunteers preying on the DSWD (Department of Social Welfare and Development) or the relief efforts,” he added.

Okol said they deployed security personnel in the area to foil attempts to steal relief items.

He claimed that the security measures in place are “tight” but “accommodating” to those who really wish to help in the relief efforts.

The arrested individuals are now facing theft charges.

Previous reports said among those apprehended were an employee of the Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) and his five companions. 

The six individuals were reportedly arrested last Saturday while on board a government vehicle.

Air Force personnel were said to have found garbage bags and a sack filled with relief goods inside the vehicle, which was allegedly registered under MIAA.

A footage by GMA News showed that the vehicle that carried the relief goods was a Mitsubishi Adventure with a registration plate of SKR 551.

When asked to verify the report about the involvement of a government employee in the stealing of relief goods, Okol said: “The vehicle perhaps but it was never established that it was a government official.”

Villamor Airbase serves as the “processing center” of typhoon survivors from Eastern Visayas.

Victims who were transported from typhoon-hit areas receive relief items and undergo counseling to help them recover from their tragic experiences.