Philippines – A 43-year-old man headed for Thailand never made it past Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 3 on Wednesday, October 28, 2026. Authorities confirmed he had an outstanding warrant of arrest for seven counts of Qualified Theft.
According to a press release from the Philippine National Police Aviation Security Group (PNP AVSEGROUP), labeled AVSEG-PR-202610-0236, the arrest came after immigration officers flagged the traveler during routine processing. Airport police then confirmed the warrant and took him into custody.
Flagged Before Departure
The case started at the immigration counter. Bureau of Immigration (BI) personnel stopped the passenger after an Alert List Order showed a pending warrant under his name.
Instead of letting him continue to his flight, BI officers turned him over to NAIA Police Station 3 for proper handling.
Warrant Confirmed Through E-Warrant System
Police checked the warrant through the E-Warrant verification system, which confirmed it was still active. Officers from NAIA Police Station 3 then arrested the passenger.
Here are the key details of the case:
- Charges: Seven counts of Qualified Theft
- Legal basis: Article 310 of the Revised Penal Code
- Recommended bail: PhP 270,000.00 for all seven counts
- Place of arrest: NAIA Terminal 3, Pasay City
- Intended destination: Thailand
What Happens Next
The accused remains in the custody of NAIA Police Station 3. He will stay there until the warrant of arrest is returned to the issuing court and a commitment order is issued.
The press release did not say what the theft charges involved or which court issued the warrant.
AVSEGROUP Vows Tighter Airport Watch
PNP AVSEGROUP Director PBGEN Dionisio B. Bartolome Jr. said in Filipino that there is no room for gaps in enforcing the law at Philippine airports.
He added that his group will keep stepping up its monitoring and its coordination with partner agencies. The goal, he said, is to make sure existing warrants are acted on quickly and in line with the law.
A Reminder for Kababayans Who Travel
For OFWs and Filipino travelers, this case shows how closely immigration and airport police work together at NAIA. A pending court case can come up at the departure gate, even years after it was filed.
If you have an unresolved legal matter back home, it helps to deal with it before your next trip. Settling it early can spare you and your family from stress, missed flights, and lost work abroad.
ThePinoyOFW.com will share updates on this story as more details are released.