NAIA screener arrested for stealing traveler’s watch

MANILA, Philippines — A screening officer of the Office for Transportation Security (OTS) was arrested yesterday after being caught on video stealing a Chinese passenger’s watch at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA).

Sun Yuhong had complained that his watch was missing in his bag after he was screened by Valeriano Ricaplaza Jr., 31.

Ricaplaza was later nabbed by members of the Philippine National Police Aviation Security Group.

The suspect initially denied the accusation, but he was recorded on closed-circuit television footage (CCTV) taking Sun’s watch.

Ricaplaza’s arrest came days after five OTS personnel were suspended after a viral video showed them pocketing 20,000 yen from a departing Thai national at the NAIA Terminal 2 on Feb. 22.

The Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) denounced the incidents of theft involving OTS employees.

“We condemn such unscrupulous acts, which smear the trust and integrity required of public servants. These actions have negative consequences for the airport, its stakeholders and the country as a whole,” MIAA general manager Cesar Chiong said.

Chiong vowed to resolve the incidents of theft at the airport through installation of additional CCTVs at the NAIA terminals.

On Feb. 6, fans of ENHYPEN were enraged after a female screener at the NAIA was seen on video giggling while frisking the departing members of the K-pop boy band.

The OTS has launched an investigation on the unprofessional behavior of the airport employee as the ENHYPEN members went through security check.