Regarding the editorial “Breaking Naia’s crime culture” (9/24/23): I completely understand that the above incidents are extremely embarrassing and unpleasant for everyone in the Philippines. I haven’t had any such experiences myself, but I know from friends and acquaintances from France, Germany, and Switzerland that they are always afraid to fly to the airport in question.
Years ago, there was already a problem where people planted a bullet in the luggage of an innocent person. Today, other methods are used, but it is still dangerous to be a passenger at Naia. A salary of P16,000 monthly is, of course, a joke and opens the door to corruption of all kinds. In fairness, there should be a significant salary increase, the best way to prevent criminal activity. If this thing is not effective, I think this work should be taken over by professionals from the Philippine National Police or members of the military police of the Philippine army. They have a code of honor. A short training course and a little psychology in dealing with people and you can do your work. Maybe it would be worth a try?
Frankly, I feel safer at other airports. I have never heard of such criminal activity at airports in Frankfurt, Berlin, Paris, or Bern.
JÜRGEN SCHÖFER, PH.D.
Pasig City
Biopreparat.Schoefer@gmail.com