As Filipinos, how can we help in situations like this?

Question

http://www.pinoypress.net/2008/03/17/american-tourist-complains-of-theft-at-philippine-airport/#comment-25587

Answer 1

MAHIYA NAman TAYONG MGA PINOY!

Answer 2

.. paradoxical.. conclusive

Was it proven that the watches were lost at Manila Airport?

Police authorities have nothing to do with airport security as they have their own, and they conduct their own investigation as soon as they receive a report such as this, especially from a Tourist.  As far I know Airport Security is very strict, and there are incidents that staff working inside the ramp are body searched when things like this happens.

Come on guys, this kind of theft is happening all over the world.. so why implicate the Filipino people for something which was not proven.

I feel sad, that when things like this happens we tend to admit to it, very easily, as if without doubt, We Are Guilty... its so unfair.

Our country may be poverty-sticken but its still a best place to live in.. ask the Tourist.. he'll say so.

Answer 3

Can God  trully bless our country with all the filthy deeds we do to each other and foreigners experience the worst that is within us.

Answer 4

it's a hopeless case. i feel sorry for him, i truly am.

Answer 5

There is nothing for us to do except to hope that the American gets his watches back.  However given the time that elapsed between the "thievery" and his letter, I doubt if his watches will be returned to him.  This is not an isolated case of personal belongings seemingly undergoing inspection at the airport/customs only to find some items missing when you finally do your own inspection. Thefts abound at the customs perpetrated by these men in uniform who do not fear being reported because they each cover their own backs.  

A similar thing happened to my uncle when he came to visit.  His "balikbayan" box which underwent a thorough inspection was partially open when he retrieved it. When he looked inside, he found  2 or 3 brand new towels and some "pasalubong" missing.  

They not only victimize foreigners but also the locals, the "balikbayan" who saved so much just to buy their families "pasalubong" when they come home which is not very often.  And this practice will never stop as long as there are dishonest or corrupt men who go unpunished.

Edit: What has happened to the case with the American writing his complaint?  I am pretty certain nothing came out positive.  That's why I said we can't do anything short of making a complaint report direct to the superior fully attested by evidence/s.  The question is: can the American pinpoint who did it?  Can the other victims do the same?

Answer 6

Even I, is helpless in this kind of situation!

A man just riding on a lowly carabao as against those people with limousine? Hmmm!

Answer 7

For all he knows it could have been pinched from his bag in NY i see no reference to that. Like everyone else saying what do you expect when carrying so many watches in your suitcase. anyone with half a brain would carry things of value in there carry on luggage i pretty certain they even mention about that when you book your flight. I been to the philippine many times and stayed there for months at times as well but never had any problem. (touch wood) It all ways the same ones that get caught out. Half the purpose of going away is to have a break from your own culture. pick pockets wont kill philippine tourism as it exists in every country. What will kill it is fighting and corruption.

Answer 8

it'll take over 100 years to clean up the country!  

Answer 9

wow... maybe he should have left his watches at home or in carry-on luggage.....  it could have been stolen in NY as well, though. or, there's a possiblity it could have been stolen during the 2 hr delay.

(i live in new york and i have recently visited the phils.)