MANILA (UPDATED) — The Office for Transportation Security is investigating 4 screening officers over the alleged theft at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA).

"As of yesterday, we have identified another one. So there are now 4 screening officers who are now being investigated and possibly [have] something to do with the incident," OTS administrator Ma.O. Aplasca told ANC's Headstart.

"We will seriously pursue the administrative case and even criminal case of all those involved in this particular incident," he added.

An airport security personnel on September 8 was caught on video swallowing what seemed to be paper money allegedly stolen from a traveler.

The person "continues to deny that she got any money," according to Aplasca.

HLINK
AN AIRPORT SECURITY PERSONNEL --
https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/09/20/23/airport-security-who-swallowed-money-to-face-charges

But he said they had proof to support the accusations.

"Based on the evidence gathered by our investigators, I think we have enough evidence to charge her and her accomplice," Aplasca said.

"Based on our records this is the first incident that somebody swallowed a bill."

Watch more News on iWantTFC

SYNDICATE?

When asked if there was a syndicate behind the cases of alleged theft at the NAIA, Aplasca said "that is the direction of our investigation."

According to Aplasca, they have so far recorded 4 incidents of alleged extortion and theft at the airport.

"In fact right now… there are still pending cases that we are investigating and hopefully, in the next few weeks we will be able to finish our investigation and charge all those responsible," he said.

He did not divulge the names or ranks of the masterminds behind the supposed syndicate group, but he said they have "identified some."

• DOTr chief eyes charges vs OTS staff involved in alleged theft incident
• NAIA thievery: How is OTS screening potential employees?
• Body cameras eyed for airport security personnel