Six employees from the Clark International Airport in Pampanga allegedly stole more than PHP80,000 (US$1,591) worth of items from an overseas Filipino worker (OFW). A Facebook video posted on Wednesday sparked an investigation by the Clark International Airport Corporation (CIAC).
The video, reuploaded by Pilipino Star Ngayon yesterday, shows OFW Jovenil Dela Cruz explaining how items he brought home from were allegedly stolen at the airport. He also showed how zippers on his luggage were broken and that his balikbayan box was opened.
“We also lost pasalubongs (gifts) like [items from] Victoria’s Secret, and lotion, and soap. So, sorry to those who won’t receive gifts from us,” Dela Cruz said in Filipino.
According to the video, he arrived on Dec. 23 but the luggage only arrived the next day. Dela Cruz, who lives in Bulacan, a province beside Pampanga, was only notified to claim his belongings from the airport on Wednesday.
Yesterday, CIAC president Alexander Cauguiran said six personnel have been suspended for the incident. He also said that he will recommend their termination to the ground handling firm that employs them.
The Philippine Daily Inquirer reported that the firm, which handles passenger’s baggage at the airport, will cover the value of the items Dela Cruz lost.
