Airport authorities on Tuesday came up with a new policy concerning the investigation process of cases involving passengers caught carrying prohibited items at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport.
Officials of the Manila International Airport Authority and representatives of the Police-Aviation Security Group, Office for Transportation Security, National Prosecution Service, Overseas Workers Welfare Administration and Philippine Overseas Employment Administration signed the agreement firming up the new measure.
“The memorandum of agreement is aimed at resolving the ‘tanim-bala’ [bullet-planting] cases, especially those involving OFWs. The resolution of these cases are in coordination with the law enforcer, and the National Prosecution Service, as the prosecution arm of the government,” said Labor Secretary Rosalinda Baldoz during a press briefing at the Naia Terminal 3.
OWWA and POEA will assist in the facilitation process especially for departing overseas Filipino workers, Baldoz said.
Under the agreement, the POEA shall provide personnel at the terminals 24/7 to assist OFWs apprehended with prohibited items, resolve the interception, and in some instance, rebook their flights in coordination with airline companies.
The POEA will also advise the passenger emphasizing his or her rights as a person who might be, or eventually be, or is already subject of a Custodial Investigation.
It will request the Public Attorney’s Office for immediate designation of a government lawyer to provide legal representation to the worker during investigation, inquest proceedings, preliminary investigation and trial.
“The POEA shall also require recruitment agencies that deployed the OFW to provide assistance to the worker by contacting and making representation with the employer on the potential delay in the worker’s arrival,” said Baldoz.