P80M jewelry found in PAL aircraft lavatory
The Bureau of Customs-Port of Ninoy Aquino International Airport reported the smuggling attempt of assorted jewelry worth P80 million found inside the aircraft lavatory of PAL flight PR301 HK-Manila that arrived on 17 November at around 2:28 p.m.
The jewelries were discovered after the PAL Security Department reported that there was a package left behind at the PAL Aircraft Lavatory. A Customs Boarding Inspector from the Aircraft Operation Division conducted an immediate inspection with the help of the PNP Aviation Security Group.
The authorities discovered during the examination that it contained a variety of gold jewelry totaling 24.20 kilos and having an estimated worth of P80 million.
BoC-NAIA added that a thorough inquiry has been ordered by District Collector Carmelita Talusan to determine who was behind this attempt at smuggling.
Talusan said the port will continue to prevent all types of smuggling attempts in accordance with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s mandate.
PAL spokesperson Cielo Villaluna said that the airline is now cooperating with the authorities conducting the investigation.
“Rest assured that the investigation is underway to ferret out the truth behind this incident,” she said.