Pocketless Pants Likely for Manila's Airport Staff

Manila: Staff at Manila's main airport may soon be wearing pants without pockets as part of new measures to address baggage pilferage at the terminals.

General (retired) Angel Atutubo, assistant general manager for security and services at Manila International Airport Authority, said all personnel manning the enclosed area where the checked-in baggage of all passengers passes through before going to the aircraft, may soon be required to wear pocketless pants while working.

"Airport personnel, including cargo handlers and the security providers hired by the airlines themselves, assigned in the built-up area may be required to wear pants without pockets," Atutubo said.

Complaints

The pocketless pants will be part of new measures that will be adopted at the premier airport following complaints from several passengers that they have lost some valuables during their flight out of Manila.

Recently, the son of a Saudi Arabian diplomat fell victim to these nefarious activities.

He has reported the loss of his expensive watch and a laptop during a flight out of Manila.

Demand

The pilferage that is taking place at the airport has prompted a group of airline companies to flex their muscles to demand airport officials to act on the matter.

Atutubo said representatives from various airlines have agreed in principle to new measures to ensure that none of those involved in the handling of the baggage will ever indulge in pilferage.