NAIA thief caught in sting

MANILA, Philippines — A man who stole a seaman’s belongings at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 2 (NAIA-2) was arrested in a sting on Feb. 8 when he tried to extort money from the victim in exchange for his papers.

Police officers and Manila International Airport Authority personnel apprehended Rhey Asumbrado as he was accepting marked money from Bonifacio Legazpi at a restaurant in Pasay City.

Legazpi told investigators he noticed his Swissgear backpack was missing when he was at the NAIA-2’s departure area. He said his backpack contained his iPad and important documents.

He reported the theft and the suspect’s call demanding P15,000 to return his seaman’s book.

Legazpi initially wanted him to wire the money, but the airport police helped him ask to meet up the suspect instead.

Asumbrado told police he sold Legazpi’s backpack for $120 and the iPad for $700. He underwent inquest proceedings and was charged with theft before the Pasay regional trial court.

Police said Asumbrado was charged with the same offense in 2012 and 2017 for allegedly stealing from three people at the NAIA-3 departure area.