Lost Jewelry Sparks Probe of Dishonest NAIA Staff

Airport Police Officers Casey San Juan and Frelyn Leda recover Kimberly Nakamura’s stolen jewelry, including wedding rings, a diamond necklace, and earrings, after conducting a theft investigation and receiving an anonymous tip.

Lost Jewelry Sparks Probe of Dishonest NAIA Staff

By Bing Jabadan – TheNationWeek.com  

July 16, 2025

MANILA, Philippines – A passenger’s heartfelt gratitude for the recovery of her lost jewelry at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) has unearthed a troubling lapse in protocol and ignited an investigation into potential misconduct among airport staff. The incident raises serious questions about the integrity of personnel and the effectiveness of existing security measures at the Philippines’ main gateway.

Kimberly Nakamura, upon discovering her valuable jewelry box missing after arriving in Singapore on June 28, publicly lauded the NAIA Terminal 3 Airport Police and Screening and Surveillance Division for their swift action in recovering her precious belongings, which included her wedding ring, a diamond necklace, and earrings of significant sentimental value.

However, the story behind the recovery reveals a disturbing breach of protocol.

Following President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directive for heightened passenger assistance, the Airport Police Department (APD) immediately launched an investigation in coordination with the Screening and Surveillance Division. CCTV footage revealed that Nakamura’s jewelry box had been left unattended at Gate 104.

What followed was a 15-hour period during which the box was handled by over ten employees from various companies, including AirAsia, Cebu Pacific, Quickstar Security, and Jetstar. Shockingly, none of them reported the lost item to the designated Lost & Found Section.

“It’s deeply concerning that so many individuals handled the lost jewelry and failed to follow established procedures,” stated a source familiar with the investigation. “This raises serious questions about training, oversight, and the overall culture of responsibility within the airport.”

Despite this initial setback, the Terminal 3 APD and Surveillance Team, led by Airport Police Officers Casey San Juan and Frelyn Leda, diligently pursued the case. Through meticulous examination of CCTV recordings and thorough questioning, they successfully located and recovered all of the missing items.

While Nakamura has chosen not to press formal charges, the incident has triggered a wave of concern regarding the honesty and ethical conduct of airport personnel.

The Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) is now urging airlines and security agencies to initiate internal disciplinary proceedings against those found responsible for failing to report the lost jewelry box.

“We commend our Terminal 3 Police and Surveillance teams for their unwavering dedication in resolving this sensitive case,” said MIAA General Manager Eric Ines. “However, this incident underscores the critical importance of integrity and ethical conduct among all airport personnel. Such behavior is unacceptable and has no place within our airport environment.”

Ines emphasized that any found items must be immediately reported to the Lost and Found section to guarantee their safe return to the rightful owner. The MIAA Praise Committee has recommended that the officers involved in the successful recovery operation receive formal commendation.

The incident also highlights the need for greater transparency and accountability from the New NAIA Infra Corp. (NNIC), the consortium operating and maintaining NAIA since September 2024. The company’s silence on the matter has drawn criticism.

As of this writing, no statement has been issued by the NNIC regarding the incident and the potential implications for its operations and commitment to passenger safety and security.

This incident serves as a stark reminder of the need for constant vigilance, robust training programs, and a commitment to the highest ethical standards by all individuals entrusted with the security and well-being of passengers at NAIA, a gateway that reflects the Philippines to the world. The investigation is ongoing, and the MIAA has vowed to implement stricter protocols to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future.