Philippines’ main airport fires contractor over baggage thefts

MANILA: Manila airport fired a major contractor and announced a raft of new security measures yesterday after a spate of baggage thefts at the main Philippine gateway once derided as the world’s worst airport.

President Rodrigo Duterte summoned airport authorities and the transport minister and ordered them to put a stop to the thieving, Manila International Airport general manager Ed Monreal told reporters.

“I am really ashamed over what is happening, what our passengers are going through. Let us all work together to stop these embarrassing incidents,” Monreal said.

Monreal said the airport would not renew the operating licence of one ground handling company serving 14 carriers after passengers on at least two flights lodged formal complaints over items stolen from their luggage.

It also ordered other contractors to equip baggage handlers and security personnel with body cameras, install closed circuit television in their working areas, and remove all pockets from their uniforms.

Monreal said surveillance footage had confirmed the pilferage, with authorities also finding evidence including ‘ boots that allow them (suspects) to hide stuff at their feet’.

The airport has filed criminal charges against a number of suspected thieves, he said without elaborating. — AFP