The Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) reported that a handbag containing cash and valuable personal belongings was safely returned to its rightful owner after being lost at the Laoag International Airport (LIA) on March 19, 2025.
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.
Following 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 Lady Guard Taysa, the CSIS team, and the Laoag International Airport personnel for their honesty and dedication.
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.
