CONFIDENTIAL

Republic of the Philippines

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
OFFICE FOR TRANSPORTATION SECURITY

MEMORANDUM

FOR : ASEC JOSE A. BRIONES JR.

Officer-in-Charge, OTS

FROM : DIRECTOR IV, TSRMS

SUBJECT : Fact-Finding Investigation Report re Letter for Reconsideration to

Designate a New Terminal Chief in Surigao Airport Station (SAS); and
Unsigned Observation Report Citing the Alleged Negligence and Non-
Wearing of Proper Uniform Committed by the Current SAS Terminal
Chief Mary Shiel E. Toledo (Permanent)

DATE :

I. REFERENCES:

a. Letter dated January 20, 2023 signed by nine (9) SSOs from Surigao
Airport Station (SAS) with handwritten instruction from the former HEA
Eugenio B. Paguirigan, DPA to conduct investigation dated March 24, 2023
(Annex A); and

b. Unsigned Observation Report dated March 17, 2023 referring to the letter
dated January 20, 2023 (Annex B).

II. FACTS:

1. A letter (Annex A), signed by below named nine (9) Security Screening Officers
(SSOs) assigned at SAS was sent to former HEA/Head SSOS stating that they
would like to seek reconsideration pertaining to the issued Special Order No.
2023.007 (Annex C) dated 13 January 2023, designating Mary Shiel E. Toledo
(TC Toledo) as the Terminal Chief of SAS:

a. Piodo, Jeanine E.;

b. Culango, Kristine Denise A. (SSO Culango), Admin Clerk;
c. Jardenil, Lovely C.;
d. Geli, Belly Mary C (IAA Geli), Checkpoint Supervisor.;
e. Recla, Yvonne R. (SSO Recla);
f. Clerino, Jose Ernesto G.;
g. Destajo, Jenniffer E.;
h. Comandante, Mary Jean A.; and

Corner Andrews Avenue & Aurora Boulevard (Formerly Tramo) Pasay City 1300, Philippines
Office of the Administrator: 855-2735 Fax: 855-2418 ODA/LEGAL: 854-5083 AFS: 853-4351 TSRMS: 853-7964 TSATMS: 853-4351
CASD: 855-2435 MTSD: 833-3350 LTSD: 855-2725 PAD: 853-5249 pio@ots.gov.ph

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i. Gerdan, Richard C.

2. They stated that they found Intelligence Officer 1 Rolita J. Makinano (IO1
Makinano), current Checkpoint Supervisor to be the most qualified to be their
Terminal Chief as she has a 2nd Degree Civil Service Eligibility prior to her
employment to OTS - Surigao. Further, IO1 Makinano learned vital knowledge
and skills that helped them to progress not only on their daily operations but also
on their organization advancement. They likewise believed that the knowledge,
skills and experiences IO1 Makinano had gained for almost 22 years in service is
adequate to prove that she is worthy for the position as Terminal Chief of SAS.

3. On the unsigned Observation Report (Annex B) dated 17 March 2023, the

sender claims that they were SSOs from Surigao Airport Station and referred
said report to the letter dated 20 January 2023. The report contains the following
observations and their point of view based on the actions displayed by TC
Toledo:

a. That being the Terminal Chief or Supervisor, it’s her duty to supervise the
checkpoints to make sure on the security of her AOR. But TC Toledo
occasionally goes to the checkpoint for pee break and check the detail
and go back to the office. She stays in the office and just gave instructions
to all Surigao personnel thru their group chat;

b. That they remembered that they must wear proper uniform and be a role
model to everyone and being a Supervisor (Terminal Chief), TC Toledo
should be in the operation at all times to supervise, man the area and
should always be visible so in times of occurrence of any untoward
incident she is there to witness and immediately investigate;

c. That into their dismay TC Toledo does not wear proper uniform even
when attending official activities with other airport agencies and just wear
the OTS polo and improper uniform;

d. That the Admin Clerk (SSO Culango) was the one in operation and after
the flight she then makes her tasks and other compliances. The Admin
Clerk stands as a reliever whenever an SSO was on leave, so other
compliances were not sent on time;

e. That based on their SRT training last 28 February 2023, supervisors

should be there during the testing of all Security Screening Equipment
every day, that TC Toledo failed to do so; and

f. That it comes to their knowledge that TC Toledo was designated as the

Terminal Chief for the reason that she is the ONLY ONE that has a
Supervisory Course. The office have not seen the record that the

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Supervisory License of TC Toledo was already expired while the former

Terminal Chief, IAA Geli has a valid Supervisory License until 2025.

4. In compliance to the directive from the former HEA, FFIS Investigators went to
SAS on August 30, 2023 by virtue of Special Order no. 2023-222 (Annex D).
Based on the Master list (Annex E) provided by TC Toledo, SAS has thirteen
(13) SSOs and one (1) Terminal Chief. But one (1) SSO, Ms. Remalyn C. Gesta
has been in Sick Leave for a long time due to brain tumor.

5. A one-on-one interview was conducted with twelve (12) Security Screening

Officers (SSO) assigned on said airport station. Please see
Feedback/Complaint Form (Annex F). During interview, the letter and the
observation report were shown to the SSOs, however they claimed that they are
not aware that an observation report was sent to OTS main office, they only
acknowledged the letter that they signed and that is to try to seek consideration
to designate IO1 Makinano as their Terminal Chief.

6. The SSOs likewise stated the following observations:

a. TC Toledo usually stays at their office;

b. She does not wear the official SSO uniform and just wears polo shirt with
OTS logo or polo barong, topped with the OTS reflectorized vest;

c. TC Toledo goes to work from 8am to 5pm even they have flights at 5am;
and

d. She does not conduct briefing and used to disseminate information,

protocols and new SOP only through Group Chat.

7. They also claimed that there were times that TC Toledo was late in implementing
new SOP at their station like the shoe removal. Allegedly, SSO Recla and SSO
Culango learned from their friends who were also SSOs from NAIA that the shoe
removal policy was being implemented. So, they posted the same on their GC,
however, TC Toledo allegedly got mad and failed to immediately implement the
new policy first thing in the morning.

8. All SSOs specially those who signed the letter was informed that they needed to
submit a notarized complaint affidavit if they wanted to charge TC Toledo based
on their observations. The said affidavit will serve as basis on the conduct of
Preliminary Investigation and issuance of administrative charge/s if necessary.
However, as of this writing (11 December 2023), FFIS had not yet received the
same.

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9. During the interview with, IO1 Makinano she denied and claimed that she will not
accept the position if ever she will be designated as the new Terminal Chief. She
tried to apply for the position but she does not want to get it thru this means.
Also, she does not have any issues with the management of TC Toledo.

10. An interview was also conducted with TC Toledo, she was appraised of the
observations of her subordinate and recommended her to possibly make
necessary changes or actions to settle those issues being raised.

11. During interview, TC Toledo explained that way back 1995 she was a Non-
Uniformed Personnel (NUP) under PNP Avsegroup and was assigned on
screening. After a year, three (3) additional personnel were assigned to
screening and she was the Team Leader. When OTS was established on 2011,
she was then appointed as the Supervisor of SAS under the Administration of
USEC Recomuno, holding a Permanent- SG 4 position.

12. Year 2018 she applied/converted to Contractual SG-11. By the virtue of Special
Order 2022-097 (Annex G) dated March 18, 2022, IAA Geli Permanent - SG4,
was appointed to be the Supervisor of SAS while TC Toledo was designated as
the Assistant Supervisor/Team Leader.

13. According to TL Toledo, she did not complain when she was not informed of the
said S.O. and she was assigned as a regular SSO for almost 8 months. She just
learned that she was designated as Assistant Terminal Chief when she asked for
a copy of the S.O. from Ms. Pura Saavedra of SSOS, Manila.

14. She further stated that during the time she was the Supervisor, she did not
request for an Admin Clerk considering the small number of manpower. But
when IAA Geli became the new Supervisor, she requested SSO Culango to be
her Admin Clerk to assist her in technical matters like typing reports and
submitting documents thru electronic means.

15. SSO Culango used to monitor the biometric logs of personnel, process leave
applications, DTR corrections and other admin documents hence, she became
influential to her co-SSOs. Allegedly, some SSOs used to give bribe like food
and beverages to SSO Culango to easily process their admin concerns.

16. TC Toledo further claimed that when she was again reinstated as Terminal Chief,
knowing that she can handle and process admin documents of their station by
herself, she ordered SSO Culango to assist/augment at the checkpoint in
replacement of SSO Gesta who has been on Sick Leave for a long time.

17. She requested SSO Culango to turn over all admin documents to her but the
latter claimed that she is still consolidating it. Likewise, the HRMIS access is still

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on the account of SSO Culango, hence, the latter claims that she should stay at
their office to do her function as Admin Clerk.

18. TC Toledo was requested to submit her Notarized Affidavit to formally answer
those allegations imputed against her. The Notarized Affidavit of TC Toledo
(Annex H) was received by FFIS on September 28, 2023, wherein she averred
that she has no objections to the letter dated 20 January 2023 recommending
that IO1 Makinano to be designated as the Terminal Chief in SAS as the
replacement for IAA Geli, who was promoted to SG11.

19. TC Toledo explained that the allegation that she occasionally checks the
checkpoint, checks for bathroom breaks and gives instructions via group chat
were irrelevant because she is performing administrative duties in the office and
there are designated checkpoint supervisors in the screening areas.

20. If she was unable to disseminate personally, she used their group chat to ensure
that the off-duty SSO personnel were also informed. Being the Terminal Chief,
she found it normal to communicate via any means and that she does not
neglect her duties and responsibilities. Further, the office designated checkpoint
supervisors in the area during her absence and the OTS office is only few steps
from the initial and final checkpoints where she supervised the completion of
administrative tasks.

21. TC Toledo explained the allegation that she does not wear proper uniform has no
bearing on her performance and role as the Terminal Chief. And since there was
no official uniform for the Terminal Chiefs, she wore an appropriate attire like
polo barong and polo with OTS logo while waiting for the new tailored uniform.

22. She further stated that she was designated as Terminal Chief under Special
Order (Annex C) dated 13 January 2023, and the letter was dated 20 January
2023. Then an anonymous letter dated 17 March 2023 was sent to follow-up the
first letter. The anonymous letter appears to be a deliberate attempt to tarnish
her reputation. While the sender chose to remain unidentified, demonstrating
lack of courage by not taking responsibility for their accusation.

23. TC Toledo conducted investigation and personally asked the SSOs who signed
the letter and discovered that the letter was initiated by SSO Culango (Admin
Clerk) and coerced other SSOs to sign. Hence, she was thinking that SSO
Culango was probably behind the anonymous report. TC Toledo submitted
printed photographs and screenshot from “Team Supremo” Viber Group to
serve as documentary evidence (Annex I)

24. On the Standard Operating Procedure/Work Instructions on Screening

Team Composition with document code SOP/WI.2023.01 (Annex J), it was
stated on Section 3.0 Definition of Terms: para 3.4. Terminal Chief – supervises

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all security screening checkpoints and personnel stationed at a specific airport

terminal.

25. Likewise, it was clearly stated on Section 4.0 Procedures: para 4.5 Every
security screening checkpoint shall be manned by the following personnel: Shift-
in-Charge, Checkpoint Supervisor, Passenger Controller, Baggage Feeder, X-
ray Equipment Operator, Baggage Inspector, Passenger Searcher, AIT
Operator/Searcher and Explosive Trace Detector (ETD) Operator.

26. On the Memorandum (Annex K) dated April 7, 2022 with subject reminder on
Wearing the Prescribed OTS Uniform, it can be read that for “OTS personnel
Assigned at Airport Stations”, identified as SSOs and Supervisors should
observe the stated guidelines. Terminal Chiefs were not mentioned.

III. FINDINGS:

27. Based on the foregoing premise, it shows that the submitted unsigned
Observation Report have malicious contents to malign the reputation of TC
Toledo. Small issues were being jacked up to possibly make weight/bearing to
discredit TC Toledo.

28. Further, circumstances shows that the person behind this undermining project
might be SSO Culango who was upset as she was directed by TC Toledo to
render duty at the checkpoint hence, she was ill reputing TC Toledo and backing
up IO1 Makinano to be more worthy as Terminal Chief.

29. SSO Culango was poisoning the mind of her co-SSOs for her personal agenda,
which is to regain her function as admin clerk by insinuating to her co-SSOs that
TC Toledo being the Terminal Chief should always be present at the screening
checkpoint while she (SSO Culango) being the admin clerk, should stay at the
office. She was directed to augment at the screening checkpoint as regular SSO
that is why she cannot perform her function that causes delay in submitting
admin documents.

30. The Investigator-on-Case also observed during the visit at Surigao Airport
Station, TC Toledo has a good relationship with other airport agencies. She had
established an exemptional rapport with other heads, officers and officials from
CAAP, PNP Avsegroup and even LGUs who usually gave assistance like
providing carpet and donating baggage trays and other equipment needed in the
operation.

IV. RECOMMENDATIONS:

31. That a SSO Kristine Denise A. Culango be transferred to Siargao Airport Station
as a regular SSO while ongoing investigation to avoid future issues and conflicts

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that may arise and might affect the relationship of the SSOs assigned at Surigao
Airport Station;

32. That this case be forwarded to Legal Service for further evaluation;

33. That AFS to transfer the HRMIS access of Surigao Airport Station to Supervisor
Toledo; and

34. For SSOS to amend the previous Memorandum re Reminder on Wearing the
Prescribed OTS Uniform, to include the prescribed uniform for Terminal Chiefs.

PREPARED BY: REVIEWED BY:

ANGELICA AZZEL V. REÑOSA ATTY. RACHELLE PARAGGUA

TRO2/ Investigator-on-Case Chief, Fact-Finding Investigation Section
FFIS/RSD RSD, TSRMS

RECOMMENDING APPROVAL:

BETHA B DORIA
Chief, Risk Surveillance Division
TSRMS

CONCURRED WITH THE FINDINGS AND RECOMMENDATIONS.

EUGENIO B. PAGUIRIGAN, DPA

Director IV, TSRMS

APPROVED DISAPPROVED

ASEC. JOSE A. BRIONES JR.

Officer-in-Charge, OTS

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