Senator Grace Poe is poised to open a legislative investigation on incidents of luggage theft inside the country’s airports that put a spotlight on the safety and security of travelers.
The chairperson of the Senate Committee on Public Services recently filed Senate Resolution No. 644 as several reports from passengers alleging their luggage were opened at the airports resurfaced.
Poe expressed concern that pilferage at airports, if left unabated, is a “huge security threat” that may lead to loss of confidence of potential tourists and investors.
The government needs to protect its people, especially OFWs, who work so hard to earn a living.
“The government needs to protect its people, especially OFWs, who work so hard to earn a living,” the legislator said in filing the resolution.
No less than the President ordered last month the termination of contract of aviation service provider Miascor following the luggage theft at the Clark International Airport in Pampanga last January 18.
Six employees of Miascor firm assigned at the Clark International Airport were terminated and are facing administrative charges due to the incident.
But the President’s directive that he does not want baggage theft to happen at airports did not deter thieves at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) as a new case of alleged baggage pilferage surfaced on February 9.
An overseas Filipino worker (OFW) named Ramon Segarra complained about the damaged lock and zipper of his luggage and the missing items inside it.
“While administrative and criminal charges have been filed against the perpetrators who happened to be employees of a ground handling firm, this failed to serve as deterrent for similar incidents to occur,” the laemaker said.
Airport theft and “bukas bagahe” have been left unreported and travelers instead post their harrowing experiences on social media.