MIAA on baggage theft: Verify before you post

An airport official has asked the public to first verify incidents of baggage theft before posting these on social media to avoid harming the country’s image.

“We have no problem about [you] posting your experiences on social media. But if you really want to help a victimized passenger, you should make an effort to validate and be factual and not just accuse our airport personnel of being the ones responsible,” Manila International Airport Authority General Manager Ed Monreal told reporters on Friday.

“While we understand the importance of social media, engaging in it also requires responsibility. False accusations against people or organizations are sometimes promoted through this venue. We should realize that in the end, [the reputation of] our country and Filipinos is at stake,” he added.

He recalled a Facebook video showing a baggage handler forcibly opening bags inside the bulk compartment of an aircraft.

“Many are reposting it as if it happened in our country. That incident did not happen in the Philippines,” he said.

Monreal also referred to a Facebook post on Jan. 31 made by a dentist who claimed that a couple lost some items inside their bags which were forcibly opened at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 1.

He said he spoke with airline officials as well as the couple themselves who verified that their bags were opened and sealed with tape by transport safety inspectors in the United States. No items were stolen and they never authorized or permitted anyone to take pictures or make a complaint on their behalf, they added.

Monreal said he had called on the dentist to take down her post and publicly apologize.