Ninoy Aquino International Airport dollar-eating incident

On September 8, 2023, a suspected theft incident was reported by a departing Chinese national at Ninoy Aquino International Airport in Metro Manila, Philippines.

A CCTV footage captured a female airport security personnel swallowing money – which was allegedly stolen from the passenger.

Background
A suspected theft occurred at Terminal 1 of Ninoy Aquino International Airport (a major port of entry serving Metro Manila) at 8:18 p.m. (UTC+8) on September 8, 2023. The alleged victim was a male Chinese national who was about to board the plane, but reportedly lost US$300 (₱17,033).

A CCTV footage showed a female security officer allegedly stealing from the man's bag, revealed to be banknotes that she then swallowed and washed down with a bottle of water given to her by a colleague.

Although the alleged theft was not immediately publicized, information about the incident circulated in media group chats in mid-September. The incident would only formally be confirmed by the Office for Transportation Security (OTS), in a press release on September 19.

This is the fifth theft incident recorded in the airport for 2023 alone.

Suspects
The Office for Transportation Security (OTS) identified four screening officers as suspects for the theft. This includes a 28-year old female personnel captured by the CCTV and three more people. The others include her supervisor and an X-ray operator.

The female suspect denied allegations hurled against her. She insists she ate chocolates, not the missing dollar banknotes. The OTS is not convinced of her defense, noting how it is not "normal" to consume chocolate given the circumstances and how she struggled with swallowing.

Airport authorities
The Office for Transportation Security launched an investigation on the theft incident. The personnel identified to be involved in the incident were relieved from their duties.

The Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) ordered the strict enforcement of its service standard policies in NAIA. It includes the no-pocket policy for personnel at NAIA, including the OTS' personnel stationed at the airport. It also ordered the improvement of its CCTV system by installing additional cameras and removing obstructions to reduce blind sports throughout the airport complex.

Department of Transportation
Jaime Bautista, Secretary of the Department of Transportation (DOTr), urged for the maximum penalty for people who would be convicted for the incident. He instructed DOTr undersecretary for legal affairs, lawyer Reinier Yebra, to lead the process on filing legal complaints against the suspects.

Congress
Members of the Senate of the Philippines have expressed embarrassment over the incident. Senator Bato dela Rosa called for an investigation and resolution of the case since it could damage the country's "reputation in the international arena". His colleague Grace Poe added that the OTS should properly vet its applicants. Joel Villanueva has urged to find all people responsible for the incident so that the "mafia" behind could be dismantled.

The House of Representatives likewise says that it is monitoring the case.

Other reactions
In relation to the privatization plans of the state-run international airport, Transport Secretary Bautista said that the incident did not impact potential investors' sentiments.

The related CCTV footage also became viral in social media.