₱500K Worth of Jewellery Goes Missing at NAIA, Later Recovered

Have you ever had that panic moment at the airport when you thought you lost something? Now imagine that item being your wedding rings and a box of jewellery worth half a million pesos. That was the nightmare one passenger experienced while travelling through NAIA Terminal 3, and yes, it turned into a full-blown mystery.

A Forgotten Jewellery Box

Image credit: Kimberly Nakamura | official FB page

On 28 June 2025, traveller Kimberly Nakamura was headed to Singapore from Manila. It was supposed to be a smooth and exciting trip. But shortly after landing in Singapore, she realised something important was missing. She had accidentally left her jewellery box in her hand-carry bag at the airport.

Inside the box were her wedding ring, her husband’s ring, a diamond necklace, and a pair of earrings. Altogether, the pieces were estimated to be worth around ₱500,000. More than the price tag, these items had sentimental value. They were irreplaceable.

Airport Staff Caught on CCTV

Back at NAIA Terminal 3, CCTV footage later revealed something troubling. Over ten airport personnel including airline staff and security officers were seen handling the jewellery box. But instead of turning it in to the proper Lost and Found office, the box was quietly passed around at Gate 115.

When Kimberly followed up, only the necklace and earrings were returned to her. Both wedding rings were still missing at that point, and no clear answers were given.

An Emotional Two-Week Search

Kimberly did not give up. Over the next two weeks, she pushed for updates and requested a full investigation. On 13 July, a major lead surfaced. A member of the airport’s security staff admitted to taking one of the rings.

The very next day, 14 July, an anonymous source gave airport police a tip. They returned to Gate 115 and found the other ring hidden under a table near the boarding area. That was the same spot where the jewellery box had first gone missing.

Complete Recovery, But Not Without Damage

In the end, Kimberly recovered everything. The jewellery box, the necklace and earrings, and both wedding rings were all returned. But by that time, the emotional damage had been done.

She shared that the rings had been scratched and clearly not handled with care. “These were our wedding rings,” she said. “It was really emotional. I never thought something like this could happen during a regular flight.”

MIAA Responds

Image credit: Kimberly Nakamura | official FB page

Following the incident, Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) General Manager Eric Ines reminded airport staff to report all lost and found items properly. He also stressed the importance of acting with honesty and integrity, especially when dealing with passengers’ valuables.

The issue raised serious concerns about airport security and the way staff members are trained to handle sensitive situations. For many travellers, this story served as a reminder to always keep an eye on personal belongings while going through airport procedures.

Lessons for All Travellers

This story may have ended well, but it also revealed how fragile trust can be. Airports are supposed to be safe spaces. If a jewellery box can go missing in plain sight, what else could slip through the cracks?

So next time you fly out of Manila or any busy terminal, double check your bags, especially those containing valuable or sentimental items. And if you ever leave something behind, speak up immediately. Ask questions, push for answers, and stay alert. You never know, your story might just have a happy ending too.