By Bing Jabadan – TheNationweek.com

April 15, 2025

MANILA, Philippines– A seafarer was apprehended by the Philippine National Police Aviation Security Group for allegedly stealing and partially consuming alcoholic beverages while on a Philippine Airlines flight from New York on Sunday (April 13, 2025).

The 28-year-old suspect, a resident of Pangasinan, was among the arriving passengers from the United States who reportedly took a bottle of liquor from an in-flight trolley without authorization.

Although the cabin crew successfully retrieved the stolen item, subsequent inventory showed that three bottles of red wine, vodka, and rum were unaccounted for.

The flight purser later traced an opened and partially consumed bottle of wine at seat No. 65K, where the suspect had been seated.

When confronted, the suspect, who was not identified, denied any involvement in the theft.

While insisting on his innocence, the situation escalated into an argument, prompting the flight captain to coordinate with security personnel and law enforcement authorities for assistance upon landing.

Upon arrival at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport, the passenger was escorted by airline staff and security to the NAIA Police Station 1 for investigation.

The process led to the arrest of the suspect.

He is currently in custody at NAIA Police Station 1, where authorities are preparing a formal complaint against him for alleged theft under Article 308 of the Revised Penal Code.

“Adherence to regulations must extend beyond the confines of the airport, encompassing every mile traveled, whether on land or air. Incidents of this nature serve as a reminder that responsible travel is not merely a courtesy, but a fundamental obligation,” Police Brig. Gen. Christopher Abecia, PNP aviation security director, declared.

Abecia commended both the airline crew and his personnel for their prompt actions, which, he said, exemplify his agency’s steadfast commitment to upholding the law and ensuring a safe and orderly travel environment.