Department of Transportation Secretary Giovanni “Banoy” Lopez stated that any personnel of the Office for Transportation Security (OTS) found to be involved in criminal activities will be charged accordingly.

“If it is proven that some OTS Security Screening Officers (SSO) are at the forefront of illegal activities such as theft of belongings or money from passengers, you will definitely be held accountable and we will ensure that the perpetrators are punished,” he said in a statement this Sunday.

The Transportation Secretary’s reminder comes just a couple of days after an incident involving a Cebu-bound Australian national reportedly lost P7,000 and 1,000 New Taiwan Dollars at NAIA Terminal 3 made rounds on social media.

Amid ongoing investigations into the crime, Lopez reportedly ordered for the immediate release of two SSOs and a supervisor stationed at the terminal.

Based on the DOTR’s report, all three individuals are set to face both criminal and administrative cases for the matter.

Lopez noted that all OTS personnel have a significant obligation to ensure that passengers remain safe and that no illegal cargo is allowed to fly.

He further urged passengers to report questionable behavior on behalf of airport personnel to appropriate authorities.