A 55-year-old woman, a former bank assistant manager, was arrested at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 1 upon her arrival from China on charges of qualified theft.

Reports said that the woman was apprehended by a joint operation of the Philippine National Police-Aviation Security Group (PNP-AVSEGROUP) and the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG).

PNP-AVSEGROUP reported Saturday that the arrest, which occurred on 21 November, was based on a standing warrant issued by a Regional Trial Court in Pasig City on 11 May 2022. The warrant covers seven counts of qualified theft through falsification of commercial documents, a non-bailable offense.

Authorities confirmed Sunday the woman was a former bank assistant manager in the Philippines. She is currently in the custody of the CIDG Southern Metro Manila District pending documentation and further legal proceedings.

Brig. Gen. Dionisio B. Bartolome Jr., acting director of the PNP Aviation Security Group, commented on the arrest.

“Once an accused or wanted person steps into Philippine jurisdiction, accountability follows,” Bartolome said in a statement. “Our personnel demonstrated how coordinated vigilance turns intent into action. That is exactly what the involved units ensured today.”

Authorities also intercepted a 38-year-old man bound for Hong Kong at NAIA Terminal 1 after the Bureau of Immigration (BI) flagged an active alias warrant of arrest for a previous theft case.

During standard departure procedures, BI personnel noted the outbound traveler was on a Watch List Order. The warrant, issued by a local court in Antipolo City for theft, carried a fixed bail of P10,000.

Responding officers from the NAIA Police Station 1 took custody of the man for investigation. The man claimed he had previously posted bail, prompting officers to contact the issuing court.

After verification, authorities confirmed the case had been archived. However, custody of the individual was ultimately turned over to the CIDG–Quezon City District Field Unit for proper disposition due to the active warrant.

“I firmly assure the public that no individual with an outstanding legal case will escape through our airports, as we remain resolute in upholding the law and securing our nation’s gateways,” said Bartolome.