00:00 Formal administrative sanctions have been leveled against the chief theft suspect who tried to munch and swallow the Benjamins at the airport nearly two weeks ago.
00:08 But criminal charges will have to wait until the robbery victim submits an affidavit or sworn statement on the matter.
00:15 As we hear more details from our Rod Laguzad.
00:18 The female security screening officer at the center of the alleged theft of 300 US dollars
00:25 from a departing Chinese national last September 8 has been charged with an administrative case.
00:31 According to Office for Transportation Security Administrator Undersecretary Mawa Plasca, the fact-finding investigation wrapped up yesterday.
00:39 We have filed a formal administrative charge of theft but categorized as gross misconduct in our policy.
00:52 From September 8 to September 14, she did not commit the theft.
01:01 But when the footage was released, she changed her statement. She said that she ate the snack.
01:12 The involved security screening officer is under preventive suspension.
01:15 Per possible criminal case to be filed against her,
01:18 our investigators and the PNPFG group will work together to contact the passenger who left the airport.
01:28 But in the meantime, our lawyers are also studying the case.
01:32 The criminal case may be filed against her even if the complainant has not submitted the formal affidavit.
01:40 He added that the passenger filled out a complaint sheet.
01:43 The possibility the chief theft suspect has accomplices is being explored.
01:48 Initially, we identified two.
01:51 This is what we are developing now because all those who were on duty at our checkpoint at that time will all be subjected for possible involvement.
02:04 Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista is dismayed over the new incident of theft in the airport,
02:09 especially in light of a push encouraging foreigners to invest and improve operations of the country's main gateway.
02:15 Bautista also ordered the maximum penalty on those found guilty
02:19 to show the agency is dead serious in getting rid of scalawags within its ranks.
02:24 As per Manila International Airport Authority,
02:26 MIA-OIC Brian Costres says the airport has no room for any illegal activity
02:31 which run counter to agency's efforts to improve airport services.
02:35 Senator Grace Puset said the incident is infuriating and embarrassing
02:39 as thieves remain a fixture in the airport despite efforts to curb or contain their evil ways.
02:44 The center added that the applicants must be properly vetted and re-interviewed and evaluated.
02:49 According to Senate Majority Leader Joel Villanueva,
02:52 it is important to know if there is a conspiracy or group behind these shenanigans.
02:57 As for Senator JV Ejercito,
02:59 The head of the OTC, General Aplaska, said she will be terminated.
03:07 They have all the evidences now.
03:11 At least this should not be tolerated.
03:16 I'm satisfied with the action of the OTS head.
03:23 He added that there is no excuse for theft
03:25 given the airport is where first and lasting impressions of the country are formed.
03:30 Rod Leguized, For The Nation.
