Authorities arrested a female hotel supervisor for escorting foreign nationals using an unauthorized access pass at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport.
Bridget Cunanan, a supervising personnel at Okada Manila Hotel and Casino in Parañaque City, was arrested at the restricted Immigration area of Naia Terminal 1 around 11:20 am.
Investigation showed that Cunanan was using an Official Business Pass of the Immigration (control number 5002676) attached with a mission order form when she was noticed by an airport security guard.
The security guard identified as Roderick Dalicon immediately accosted and brought Cunanan to the security office for investigation and later turned her over to the Airport Police Department for proper disposition.
According to the Manila International Airport Authority, an Immigration Official Business Access Pass is exclusively issued to government officials.
Cunanan’s arrest came a few days after MIAA general manager Eddie Monreal ordered the strict implementation of policies and regulations on the use of access Identification Cards issued to all airport employees and stakeholders to prevent human smuggling and illegal transportation of the so-called anti-social goods.
Monreal on Saturday also ordered the suspension of visitor’s pass issued to individuals who wish to meet or send-off family, friends and relatives at the airport.
He said the temporary suspension of the visitor’s pass shall also give the agency time to revisit its policies and regulations on its issuance.
Monreal’s memorandum reminds airport employees and stakeholders to confine their movements within areas indicated on their access card or duty pass. The access privilege granted to employees cannot be used to assist, meet or send off a passenger.
Airport Memorandum Circular No. 14-H Series of 2010 prescribes the policies and guidelines on the grant, issuance and use of MIAA permanent access cards and visitors pass. Penalties on their improper use range from suspension to cancellation of the access privilege and perpetual ban from Naia premises.
“Observations, comments and suggestions from recent security assessments conducted by foreign transport departments shall help us in the review process. They are valuable inputs in the enhancement of the security features of our visitors pass,” Monreal explained.
Visitors pass for purpose of meeting official guests of government shall be subject to submission of an official request signed by the head of agency or his authorized representative and subject to approval of the Office of the General Manager.
Reports showed that smuggled items like jewelry and drugs passed through Naia through the intervention of several high-ranking government officials.