Airport Police Overstage Arrest? Video of Dramatic Takedown Sparks Controversy

Airport Police Overstage Arrest? Video of Dramatic Takedown Sparks Controversy

By Bing Jabadan – TheNATIONWEEKCom | December 12, 2025

MANILA, Philippines – A video depicting the arrest of two suspected robbers at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 3 has ignited a firestorm of debate online, with many questioning whether the police action was an unnecessary theatrical display.

The footage, obtained by the Airport Press Club, shows a swift and coordinated takedown that some netizens are labeling as “choreographed” and an excessive show of force.

The incident, which occurred on Thursday, Dec. 11, allegedly involved Edwin Gundran of Pasay City and Riofloyd Mendoza from Floridablanca, Pampanga.

Airport police reported that the two men targeted Japanese tourist Yamada Yukihisa after he hired their unlicensed taxi from NAIA Terminal 3 to the Heritage Hotel in Pasay City.

The two allegedly robbed Yukihisa while en route to his hotel.

The controversial video shows officers escorting the suspects to an open area outside the terminal’s arrival area.

The audio also captured voices demanding the return of the stolen money, with one voice repeatedly urging, “Sige na, sige na,” (Go on, go on).

The situation quickly escalated as officers executed a coordinated takedown.

Multiple officers were seen subduing one suspect while another officer drew a firearm, a move that has drawn particular scrutiny.

“What you see in the video is a necessary response to a potentially volatile situation,” a police officer stated.

“These individuals are accused of preying on vulnerable tourists, and we will not tolerate such behavior. We are committed to ensuring the safety and security of all passengers at NAIA,” he said.

Police claimed the suspects were believed to be part of a larger syndicate operating “colorum” (unlicensed) taxis and targeting foreign visitors.

They described a modus operandi that includes overcharging passengers and, in some cases, robbing them.

“These groups have been warned in the past, and we have even facilitated the return of stolen funds to victims,” police explained.

“However, their continued criminal activity has forced us to take more decisive action.”

The arrested suspects now face charges of robbery under Article 293 of the Revised Penal Code of the Philippines.

The case has been endorsed to the APD Police Intelligence and Investigation Division for further investigation.

The video continues to circulate online, fueling debate about the appropriate level of force and raising questions about whether the arrest was staged for dramatic effect.

Passengers Brawl at NAIA, Offloaded from US-Bound Flight

In a separate incident, two passengers scheduled to fly to Los Angeles were offloaded after engaging in an altercation at Terminal 1.

Video footage captured by a fellow passenger shows the two men grappling on the floor near the final x-ray checkpoint in the departure area.

The incident, which took place on Thursday morning, involved two US passport holders slated to board Philippine Airlines flight PR 112.

Airport authorities, including the PNP, Airport Police, and the Office for Transportation Security, quickly intervened to break up the fight.

The cause of the altercation remains under investigation.

Both passengers were removed from the flight and may face charges.

The latest incident highlights the ongoing challenges of maintaining order and security within the increasingly tense and crowded airport environment.