An overseas Filipino worker who was deported from Saudi Arabia is asking for help from authorities after he lost cash worth 3,000 Saudi Arabian riyals (approx. P42,000) and other valuable items in his check-in luggage when he returned to the Philippines.
ABS-CBN News reported that OFW Andrew Montes placed his valuables inside his check-in luggage as per instructions of immigration officials prior to their Saudia Airlines flight bound for the Philippines back on November 17.
Montes said that he was sure he put his belongings inside the bag, but he found his luggage was a mess when he arrived at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport.
“Doon sa Jeddah, bago kami sinalang sa immigration process, sinabihan na kami na bawal ‘yung mga relo, jacket, medyas. Ilagay daw po naming lahat sa aming baggage,” ABS-CBN quoted Montes as saying.
“Naka-tape pa po ‘yung bag ko na black. Tapos may backpack sa loob para safe. Pagdating ko po sa Terminal 1, kalat na po ‘yung dalawang bag ko, instead na isa lang,” he added.
Aside from the money, the other items stolen from Montes were his watches, rings, bracelets, and an iPhone. He said that all items were inside the bag before he boarded.
Montes said that he is unsure if the pilferage happened in Jeddah or at NAIA.
The deported OFW immediately filed a complaint to the representatives of Saudia Airlines at NAIA who promised him that they will pay back for the lost items.
However, Montes said that he received an email on Tuesday from Saudia Airlines saying that they are not liable for any of the lost items.
Aside from filing a complaint, Montes also took to Facebook to ask netizens for help regarding the incident.
