NAIA porter Victor Perez returns $10,000 worth of lost cash to traveler

52-year-old porter/pushcart retriever Victor Perez returns $10,000 worth of cash and personal belongings of a Korean passenger to the Lost and Found office of Naia. (Photo from MIAA)

MANILA, Philippines — An honest airport employee of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (Naia) returned $10,000 worth of cash and a bag full of personal belongings to their rightful owner, earning recognition from the airport authority.

The Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) identified the employee as Victor Perez, 52, a porter or pushcart retriever who has been working at Naia for 32 years.

According to the MIAA, on April 13, Perez was walking along the arrival extension at the east bridge of Naia Terminal 1 to retrieve used pushcarts when he found a bundle of US dollar bills on the pavement.

Perez immediately went to the Lost and Found office and surrendered the lost money.

Honest NAIA employee Victor Perez returns $10,00 worth of cash and personal belongings on April 13, 2024. A Korean claims the lost cash at Naia Lost and Found office of MIAA. (Photo from MIAA)

The office then determined that the bundle was worth $10,000, equivalent to P565,735 based on current exchange rates.

A Korean, who was proven to be the rightful owner of the lost money through a CCTV footage, was able to recover his lost money later the same day,

The foreigner said the money fell out of his pocket while he was going down the ramp leading to the arrival extension area.

The $10,000 dollars found and surrendered by NAIA pushcart retriever Victor Perez. (Photo from MIAA)

READ: Naia guard returns baggage with almost P2-million worth of valuables

Another act of honesty shown by a security guard

Meanwhile, the MIAA also recognized Albert Bautista, a security guard of Lanting Security Services, for turning over a lost bag he found at Bay 7 of the arrival area in a separate incident on April 14.

The bag contained a laptop, smartphone and a gold necklace.

The items were immediately surrendered to the Terminal 3 Lost and Found office.

It was later claimed by its owner on Tuesday morning.

“Hats off to Messrs. Victor Perez and Albert Bautista for their honesty. Both should be emulated by everyone in NAIA. Let the culture of honesty thrive in the midst of endless temptations around us,” said MIAA General Manager Eric Ines in a statement.

Both Naia employees are now set to receive awards of commendation during MIAA’s flag ceremony in May.