A handbag containing cash and valuables was safely returned to its rightful owner after being lost at the Laoag International Airport (LIA) on March 19, 2025.
The Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) reported that the handbag, which contained at least ₱146,348 in cash, was discovered by Rhea Taysa, a security guard at LIA. It also carried essential personal documents, including a passport, identification cards, a driver’s license and other valuables.
According to Ronald Estabillo, Area Center 1 Manager, the lost item was immediately turned over to the CAAP Security and Intelligence Service (CSIS) for verification and safekeeping.
After a thorough verification process, the handbag was successfully returned to a 79-year-old female U.S. national.
The owner expressed deep gratitude and commended Taysa, the CSIS team and the Laoag International Airport personnel for their honesty and dedication.
Meanwhile, CAAP Director General Retired Lt. Gen. Raul Del Rosario also praised the airport staff for their unwavering commitment to integrity, professionalism and public service, emphasizing that their actions reflect CAAP’s core values.
