If theft happens again, I will fire you - Duterte to airport officials

After overseas Filipino worker Jovinal dela Cruz fell victim to a luggage theft in the airport, Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte took his time to personally apologize to him, and in addition told airport officials that the luggage theft happening should be stopped, otherwise they will be fired from their jobs.

"The next time, if it happens, I will fire you. That's for sure. As long as it happens again, stealing or what, I will fire you,” said Duterte.

This was during his meeting with dela Cruz on January 18 at the Malacañang Golf Clubhouse where airport officials were present, including Clark International Airport acting president and CEO Alexander Cauguiran.

 Jovinal dela Cruz

Duterte then apologized to dela Cruz and promised to pay him for his losses. Dela Cruz has already been compensated in the amount of P82,824.

Miascor was the ground handling firm in which its employees admitted to looting Dela Cruz’ luggage. The firm, then already fired 6 of its personnel that was involved in the incident. Cases have already been filed against them as well.

"I deeply apologize. We will pay whatever your losses," said Duterte.

The President said that this must stop or else he will personally “take matters into his own hands” by punishing them, or even going to the extent of killing them.

"Patayin mo na lang...Patayin mo na lang para malaman ng tao na ‘yun ang [inaudible]," said the President.

"‘Pag hindi, parusahan ko kayo. Kung hindi ninyo gawin, ako ang papatay diyan. Isa-salvage," the President said.

Duterte has been known to release harsh words whenever dealing with issues like this. This is not the first time that the president has shown concern over OFWs and the issues that surround them.

When he was still Mayor of Davao City, he expressed the same level of concern and anger saying that those who plant bullets in bags at the airport to scam on the travellers will be forced to eat the bullets that they plant.

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Source: Rappler