The Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) on Thursday commended a porter in General Santos Airport for honesty after he turned over a bag containing 27 pieces of $100 –bills equivalent to P151,436.25.
Edgardo Roy Butohan was working at the Passenger Terminal Building (PTB) in the afternoon of June 4 when he saw an unattended black bag at the entrance of departure area. He immediately brought the bag to the airport management.
CAAP spokesman Eric Apolonio said the bag belonged Noraima Impal, 39, an overseas Filipino workers from Parang, Maguindanao who just arrived from Doha, Qatar.
“Mr. Butohan, a diligent and conscientious airport porter, promptly noticed the abandoned bag and immediately reported the discovery to the appropriate authorities. His quick actions and honesty played a crucial role in ensuring the safe retrieval of Ms. Impal’s belongings,” Apolonio said.
He said aside from the $2,700 cash, the bag also contained valuable items, including a laptop computer.
Impal had inadvertently left her bag behind at a seat near the PTB entrance while awaiting for her relatives’ arrival.
“Thanks to the collaborative efforts of Mr. Butohan, the airport staff, and the Civil Security Unit of General Santos Airport, Ms. Impal was able to reclaim her possessions at the airport’s CAAP Security and Intelligence Service (CSIS) office. It is worth noting that upon inspection, all the contents of the bag were found to be intact and complete, reflecting the commendable integrity displayed by Mr. Butohan,” said CAAP director general Capt. Manuel Antonio Tamayo.
“CAAP would like to extend its heartfelt appreciation to Mr. Butohan for exemplifying the highest standards of professionalism, honesty, and integrity. His remarkable act serves as an inspiration and reminder to all airport personnel and the aviation community at large, that honesty and upholding ethical values remain paramount in the service we provide,” he added.
CAAP also extends its gratitude to the airport staff and the CSIS for their prompt assistance in ensuring the safe return of the bag.
Tamayo said the agency remains steadfast in its commitment to maintaining a culture of honesty, transparency, and professionalism within the Philippine aviation industry.