In the Know: Airport-Related Petty Crime Last Week

Reports of an airport taxi-related attempted scam in Cebu and a theft incident committed by airport personnel in Pasay were widely circulated online over the past week. PSA Intelligence notes that these incidents appeared to be carried out by opportunistic criminal actors who have taken advantage of the increase in travel during the Holy Week break to victimize unassuming tourists. PSA Intelligence further emphasizes that the modus operandi of these incidents is not uncommon, with similar cases happening in the past.

Case Study #1: Taxi driver overcharges Korean singer tourist coming from Mactan-Cebu International Airport

The attempted scam involving a local taxi driver overcharging a Korean popular music (K-pop) singer and his companion became viral after the singer uploaded a travel vlog on April 1, 2026, about his arrival at Mactan-Cebu International Airport, which included their airport taxi experience.

The Incident

Based on the vlog, the taxi driver and the two Korean tourists agreed on a fare of PHP 500 (USD 8) from the airport to the resort, which is about a 30-minute drive roughly 9 to 10 kilometers southeast of the airport. The driver attributed the higher fare to high fuel prices, though the Korean tourists were aware that this rate is slightly more expensive than the usual rate of PHP 300 (USD 5).

As far as the attempted scam went, the taxi driver told the Korean tourists halfway through their trip that the passengers would be charged double at PHP 1,000 (USD 16) or PHP 500 each (USD 8), instead of the initial fare of PHP 500 (USD 8) in total. The tourists argued that this was not the fare that they agreed to, and the driver appeared to concede afterwards.

The Response

Authorities and users on social media were quick to condemn the incident, calling the taxi driver out for trying to scam the tourists by inflating their taxi fare. The operator company of the concerned vehicle told local news outlets that it is dismayed over the incident, as it reportedly provides fuel subsidies and other assistance to their taxi drivers amid rising fuel prices. The operator company also stated that they will be conducting an internal investigation into the incident.  

Case Study #2:  Airport Screening Staff Steals Cash From Australian Tourist in NAIA

On April 3, 2026, an Australian tourist reported losing his money after going through the security check at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 3. The tourist immediately reported the incident to airport authorities and was able to get his money back. Two airport screening officers and one supervisor who were identified as the perpetrators are facing criminal and administrative charges.

The Incident

The Australian tourist went through luggage screening at NAIA Terminal 3 for a flight bound for Cebu. After the inspection, the tourist reportedly discovered that his cash worth PHP 7,000 (USD 116) and NTD 1,000 (USD 31) was stolen from his shoulder bag. After reporting the incident to airport authorities which led to the review of the CCTV footage, the involved airport screening personnel admitted that they took the money, and subsequently returned it to the tourist. The Australian tourist decided not to press charges so as not to miss his flight to Cebu.

The Response

The Office for Transportation Security (OTS), an attached agency under the Department of Transportation (DOTr), relieved the three airport personnel from their duties at NAIA Terminal 3 amid the theft allegations. The OTS disclosed that it will pursue both criminal and administrative charges against the concerned staff.

PSA Advice

Authorities’ swift response to these recent incidents suggests strong political will from the government to penalize erring workers and staff assigned to airports and other major public and commercial hubs. But short of institutional reforms and targeted socioeconomic interventions, penalties and termination from employment are considered short-term solutions that do not necessarily address structural drivers of crime and corruption in the bureaucracy.

That being said, PSA Intelligence reiterates its advice to use ride-hailing apps such as Grab, Joyride Car, Green GSM, and inDrive, over taxis if one is traveling from the airport to an unfamiliar place. This is generally a safer option as it helps track one’s location between the pick-up and drop-off points. Passengers also have more protection against drivers that arbitrarily inflate the fare, as the fare is already provided in the app upon booking a ride. 

In the event that only taxis are available in the vicinity, the common practice for hailing one should include:

• Ensuring that your fare will be based on the taxi meter, to avoid being overcharged or any argument stemming from such;
• Taking note of the taxi’s body number painted at the side doors and confirm that they match with the body number indicated inside the taxi, which is usually found above the door lock on either side of the car;
• Checking for the driver’s identification and details. They are required to have this visible inside the taxi, which includes their pertinent information such as name, operator, and taxi body number; and
• Being alert – in the case something seems off (i.e., the driver insists on passing a different route or drives recklessly), find a well-lit and visible spot where you can alight, preferably where there are other people nearby. 

When traveling through airports, seaports, or other terminals, individuals are strongly advised to maintain heightened situational awareness – specifically with maintaining visual of their belongings at all times. Individuals, particularly both travelers and commuters alike, are also encouraged to make use of simple but effective tools to deter theft, such as combination locks. 

Nonetheless, if a theft at the airport occurs, the victims should immediately report it to the authorities, as the Australian tourist did at NAIA Terminal 3. It is worth noting that while there are different airport authorities operating at the NAIA Terminals, they should be able to promptly respond to a reported incident. These authorities include the Philippine National Police - Aviation Security Group that secure the outside of the terminal, airport security employed by airport operator New NAIA Infra Corporation, DOTr-OTS personnel who are in charge of luggage check and security scanners, and Bureau of Immigration officers for passengers with international flights.