Ilocos Sur Rep. Ronald Singson, now detained in Hong Kong for alleged possession of illegal drugs, did not pass through the mandatory metal detector and X-ray screening at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA), a closed-circuit television footage obtained by GMA News showed.
In an exclusive report by GMA News’ John Consulta on “24 Oras", said Singson left on July 11, escorted by an airport personnel, who may have allowed him to bring illegal substances to Hong Kong. The footage showed that the lawmaker entered the airport past 5 p.m. with another passenger, accompanied by two men believed to be airport personnel – one in white shirt and another in long-sleeves. The two men went straight to the NAIA officer of the day and handed over Singson and his companion's passports and other documents.
The officer then marked their papers and handed them back to the two passengers.
Singson was showed in the video clip to be wearing a T-shirt and dark pants, where the illegal substances were reportedly discovered by Hong Kong authorities.
Singson's escort in white shirt entered the portion where passengers are supposed to line up for X-ray screening, and the lawmaker followed for a while and walked by the side of the queue and did not pass through the X-ray machine. Singson was arrested later upon arrival at the Hong Kong International Airport for allegedly possessing 26.1 grams of cocaine and two tablets of prescription medication Valium, a depressant used mainly for treating anxiety. Concerned about some abuses of VIP passes, the Department of Justice (DOJ) vows to investigate the security lapse because this also one of the reasons why syndicates are able to engage in human trafficking.
"We will investigate that, and we're also having problems about ‘yung mga nakakalusot sa human trafficking. Nakakabahala ang mga ganyan," said Justice Secretary Leila de Lima in the same newscast. The department is planning to review and possibly scrap the VIP pass system, which according to De Lima is being used by some personnel to escort prominent personalities and earn from tips. "Baka it's proper now to make a major reshuffle or revamp in the NAIA officials and personnel kasi bakit may mga nakakalusot?" she said. 'Undetectable’ But NAIA authorities argued in a separate newscast that while they will investigate if there were lapses in the airport's screening procedures, it may still be possible that small amounts of illegal substances pass through undetected by customary X-ray screening or frisking.
Manila International Airport Authority general manager Jose Honrado said in a “24 Oras" report by Mark Salazar that he has yet to see the CCTV video clip, but added they have already made progress in the investigations.
“We have identified the persons who are on duty during that day, ‘yung nandun sa main entrance saka yung nandun sa last departure check," Honrado said. He added they have also identified the airport personnel who assisted Singson inside the airport Honrado explained that the CCTV clip may not be able accurately show the circumstances of Singson’s departure, and that they hope to further uncover more facts by questioning the involved airport staff. “Was there really an intent for Congressman Singson to pass though without being checked, or negligent lang sila sa pagchecheck?" he said. However, he added that illegal substances as little in amount as 26.1 grams may not be detected by X-ray machines, or detected by airport police or canine units. “If ever it was detected, were the officers on duty on that day (able to appreciate) kung ano ang nakita nila sa screen sa xray? Kung nasa body naman, was the frisking done according to regulations or courtesy frisking ang ginawa?" he said.
Even officials at the airport immigration have washed their hands off the case, but will still submit a report to the DOJ on the issue. “We are not in any way involved with baggage check and body frisks. So kung masabi nga na, bakit hindi namin nakita na halimbawa may droga, talagang hindi, dahil nga sa dokumento kami at sa pasaporte," explained Ferdie Sampol, chief of the NAIA’s bureau of immigration and deportation, in the newscast.
He added he will submit to the DOJ a report showing that it was not an immigration official who escorted Singson, and that they ensured that Singson was indeed the person shown in the passport he presented. The Bureau of Immigration (BI) meanwhile said it will do its best to follow the DOJ’s directive for a stricter implementation of airport regulations. “We'll see to it that all those who violate the law directly or indirectly are charged and prosecuted in accordance with law," said BI officer in-charge Atty. Ronaldo Ledesma in the same newscast. — Jerrie Abella/LBG
