Philippines Probes Airport Officer Accused of Swallowing Stolen Cash

Manila: Philippine authorities have launched an investigation into an airport security officer who was caught on video allegedly swallowing US dollar bills stolen from a departing Chinese passenger at Manila’s Ninoy Aquino International Airport.

According to CNN Philippines, the incident occurred on September 8 at Terminal 1 of the airport. The Office for Transportation Security (OTS) confirmed on Tuesday that the identity of the security screening officer involved has been established and that a formal fact-finding investigation is underway.

Footage that has since gone viral on social media appears to show the officer placing cash into her mouth, covering it with a handkerchief, and then drinking water while using her finger to push the remaining bills inside. The missing amount was reported to be US$300.

A security officer at a Philippine airport stole money from a passenger during a search. When the man reported the theft, she tried to swallow it to avoid detection. However, reviewing the camera footage revealed the shocking truth. pic.twitter.com/UtznKwCQ7W

— GPX (@GPX_Press) January 30, 2026

In a statement posted on its official Facebook page, the OTS said it had acted promptly upon receiving information about the alleged theft. “Upon receipt of the information regarding the alleged loss of three hundred (300) US dollars involving a Security Screening Officer at Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 1, the Office for Transportation Security immediately undertook measures to validate the report and initiate a fact-finding investigation,” the agency said.

The OTS added that it is coordinating closely with the Manila International Airport Authority and the Philippine National Police Aviation Security Group as part of the ongoing inquiry.

Citing the South China Morning Post, officials said the money was allegedly taken from the passenger’s hand-carried bag while it was undergoing X-ray screening. Four security screening officers, including the woman seen in the video, have been placed under suspension pending the outcome of the investigation. The woman officer remains suspended, according to CNN Philippines.

The OTS stressed that the alleged incident does not reflect the values or code of conduct expected of civil servants or its personnel. OTS Administrator Ma. O. Aplasca said the agency is pursuing an administrative case against the officer and is also considering the filing of criminal charges.

The incident has renewed concerns over security integrity at the country’s main international airport. According to the South China Morning Post, similar cases have been reported earlier this year, including one involving the theft of cash from a Thai tourist and another in which a screening officer was arrested for allegedly stealing a watch from a Chinese passenger.