Dizon orders probe into NAIA jewelry box case

Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon has ordered a full investigation into the case of a missing jewelry box that was eventually recovered at NAIA Terminal 3, calling for greater accountability and heightened airport security measures.

In a statement last week, Dizon directed the Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) to probe the incident and ensure that such lapses “do not happen again.”

“Bilang tugon sa utos ni Pangulong Ferdinand Marcos Jr. na tiyakin ang kaligtasan at seguridad ng mga pasahero, mabilis nating narekober at naibalik ang mga nawawalang alahas ng isang pasahero,” Dizon said.

The incident came to light after passenger Kimberly Nakamura shared on social media how she lost her jewelry box after flying from Manila to Singapore on June 28, and later praised the NAIA Terminal 3 Airport Police and Screening and Surveillance Division (SSD) for tracking it down and returning it.

According to MIAA, CCTV footage revealed that the jewelry box had been left behind at Gate 104 and was passed around by more than 10 airline and security personnel. Shockingly, none of them reported the item to Lost and Found.

Despite this, the NAIA Airport Police Department and SSD managed to recover the entire contents of the jewelry box. Officers Casey San Juan and Frelyn Leda, together with CCTV analysts, were credited for pursuing every lead and ensuring full recovery.

While Nakamura opted not to file charges, the MIAA urged the airlines and security agencies involved to discipline the personnel who failed to take proper action.

“We thank Ms. Nakamura for her trust and patience. But this incident highlights the urgent need to improve protocols and employee accountability at our airports,” MIAA added.

The case has renewed calls for stricter oversight and stronger enforcement of airport security and passenger safety protocols.