.Sheena Mae Tag-at alias Sheena Medina (in Army uniform) was detained at the PNP Aviation Security Unit (AVSEU) at NAIA Terminal 3 (Photo courtesy of AVSEU NCR chief Police Col. Arnel Apud)
AUTHORITIES at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 3 have arrested a woman who falsely identified herself as an intelligence officer. The Philippine National Police Aviation Security Unit (AVSEU) confirmed the arrest on Thursday.
Col. Arnel Apud, AVSEU NCR chief, told the Philippine News Agency that the airport’s new operator, New NAIA Infra Corp. (NNIC), alerted them over the weekend after their security manager questioned the woman’s credentials. The woman had been roaming the terminal and presenting herself as an intelligence officer.
“We learned from the NNIC security manager that the woman has been roaming around the NAIA Terminal 3, and we were asked to look for her. Thus, last Sept. 23, she was arrested there at 6:45 p.m.,” he said.
The woman, Sheena Mae Tag-at, used the fake name Sheena Medina.
Upon questioning, Tag-at had contradicting statements, claiming she was connected with the Army and the NNIC.
Apud said Tag-at showed her Bureau of Internal Revenue identification (ID) when she entered the airport.
“Since NAIA’s management has been turned over to the NNIC recently, we still don’t know who are their people,” Apud explained as to why Tag-at was able to fake her identity and disguised as an intelligence officer.
Apud, however, claimed that Tag-at was only able to access areas that are open to the public, and apparently was not able to go to restricted areas.
He added the AVSEU, although tasked to secure the entrances, also has areas that their IDs are not allowed access.
Meanwhile, Apud said Tag-at was giving orders to security guards during her disguise as intelligence officer.
Her orders include what to do with erring taxi drivers, he added.
Tag-at is facing violation of Article 177 of the Revised Penal Code, usurpation of authority or official functions, and Article 178 for using fictitious name.
Apud said Tag-at is now at the AVSEU’s office at NAIA Terminal 3 while awaiting decision for the charges.
