BI cashier returns misplaced $10,000

ABureau of Immigration (BI) cashier assigned at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) has been commended for turning over US$10,000, equivalent to more than half a million pesos, which was left behind at her counter by a still unidentified passenger.

BI Commissioner Jaime Morente said Bernadette Velasquez, BI collecting officer at the NAIA Terminal 3, will be awarded a plaque of commendation at the next flag raising ceremony of the bureau in recognition of her honest deed.

Morente said Velasquez’ act of returning such large amount of money impressed him so much as “it proved once again that the BI is not bereft of men and women who are incorruptible even if they are experiencing financial difficulties.”

Velasquez reported and returned the money to her superiors a day after she discovered the bundle of US$100 bills stuffed inside a brown envelope which the passenger left in front of her counter at around 9 p.m. last May 4.

She said she called the attention of an Indian passenger who had just paid his fees at her counter.

The passenger, however, said he does not own the envelope.

The BI advised the unknown passenger - most probably a foreigner currently abroad – to claim the money at BI main office in Intramuros, Manila where it was turned over for safekeeping.