The Bureau of Immigration (BI) on Wednesday lauded one of its immigration officers (IO) for his honesty after returning more than PHP56,000 cash a passenger had misplaced at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 3.

In a statement, BI Commissioner Norman Tansingco said the act of Vincent Estacio is a testament to the quality of public servants in the government.

“The office lauds Immigration Officer III Vincent Estacio for setting a good example to other public servants. His actions show that there are still a lot of good people in government,” he said.

The BI gave a certificate of recognition to Estacio last Sept. 4.

On Aug. 14, Estacio reportedly turned over a brown envelope containing around PHP56,871 in cash to the Manila International Airport Authority’s (MIAA) lost and found section.

“Naawa ako sa may-ari kasi naisip ko na baka panggastos niya ito sa pag biyahe niya abroad (I feel bad for the owner because I imagined this was his pocket money during his trip abroad),” he said.

Estacio waited for someone to claim the envelope he found during his usual rounds in the departure area. However, no one claimed the item.

Estacio works as a duty supervisor at the NAIA Terminal 3. (PNA)