The Department of Transportation (DOTr) on Thursday instructed the Office for Transportation Security (OTS) to immediately file charges against security screening staff who were discovered to have been involved in a baggage theft incident at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 1 on 8 September.

DOTr Secretary Jaime J. Bautista expressed frustration and dismay at the incident that happened at the NAIA. Just recently, the DOTr chief was promoting the country to potential foreign investors who may want to operate and maintain the country's main gateway.

Bautista also directed the Undersecretary for Legal Affairs Reinier Yebra to assist in filing charges against those determined to have connived in stealing money from the departing Chinese passenger.

The OTS, after concluding its investigation, was ordered by Bautista to take legal and administrative actions against the security screener caught on CCTV, who was apparently swallowing the stolen $300 bills in order to hide the evidence.

The DOTr secretary has also authorized imposing the maximum penalty on those found guilty to demonstrate the department's determination to rid NAIA, as well as other attached agencies, of scalawags.