IN THE MIDST of this pandemic when most people would show their true colors when it comes to money, it is heartwarming to know that there are still individuals out there who value honesty more than anything else.
At the Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA), building attendant Jhun M. Telewik is a shining example of an ordinary Filipino laborer who hardly makes ends meet and yet, instead of being tempted to take what is not rightfully his, chooses to do what is right.
Telewik was immediately commended by no less than MIAA general manager Ed Monreal, who said the worker is a source of inspiration and pride among his fellow employees at the premier airport for his display of integrity and honesty in line of duty.
It was learned that Telewik, a cleaner assigned at the departure area of the NAIA Terminal 2, was carrying out his usual functions of collecting trash in the area when he noticed a bag just lying around on one of the gangchairs at around 11:30 a.m. of November 27.
While making his second rounds, Telewik, an employe of the Front Runners Property Maintenance and General Services Corporation, saw the bag still on the same spot.
He decided to seek assistance from the ground attendants of the Philippine Airlines who, in turn, tried to locate the bag’s owner via the terminal paging system.
Despite repeated announcements, no one came forward to claim the bag or inquire about it.
This prompted Telewik to decide to turn over the said bag to the NAIA Terminal 2’s Lost and Found Office.
There, an inventory was made and it was found out that the bag contained cash amounting to US$ 10,000 in 100 dollar bills, several medicines and other personal items.
Monreal then tasked Airport Police Department chief Col. Adrian Tecson to locate the owner. Since the bag did not contain anything that could identify its owner, Tecson coordinated with the MIAA’s Intelligence and Investigation Division (IID) and together, they contacted PAL for a possible lead.
In no time, he was identified as Leonides Castillon, Sr., a Filipino-American who had just arrived from the United States. He boarded a flight to Dipolog City and inadvertently left his bag behind.
Eventually, Leonides’ son Castillon Jr. arrived at the NAIA. He showed documents to prove his relation to the owner and that indeed, the bag belonged to his father.
After a thorough examination of the said documents, the bag was released to Castillon, Jr. who profusely thanked the airport authorities, specially Telewik whom he gave $100 as a reward for his honesty.
“Nakakataba ng puso na sa kabila ng paghihirap na dulot ng pandemya, may mga tao pa rin na nananatiling tapat sa kanilang sinumpaang tungkulin kahit sa harap ng nakakasilaw na tukso. I salute Mr. Telewik for his great honesty. I am sure there are still more equally dedicated workers in our midst here in NAIA,” Monreal said of Telewik.
When asked how felt after finding out that the bag he found contained a huge amount of cash, Telewik said: “Hindi ko iniisip yung halaga, mas inisip ko ‘yung may-ari dahil baka mas may kailangan siyang importanteng bagay na nasa loob ng bag”.
Kudos and may the tribe of Telewik increase.
Some media colleagues who recently held a reunion would like to thank those who assisted them in the affair, which was held at the Asian Taste Seafood Bay Restaurant in Seascape Village, Pasay City.
Apart from the good food, they expressed high satisfaction for the friendly and prompt services rendered to them by managers Marc Ong, Arnel Tan and Joseph Yu, captain waiter Alvin Parcon, cashier Mary Rose Labay and staff waiters Ariel Zarate, Ricky Cabral, Ronel Logatiman and JM Mandap.
Meanwhile, a couple of colleagues from the Manila City Hall Reporters’ Association (MACHRA) also wish to thank Mayor Isko Moreno, Vice Mayor Honey Lacuna and the officers and staff of the Sta. Ana Hospital, specially its director, Dr. Grace Padilla Dr. Farah Margarita Aure, nurses Mary Cristina Gamet, Espie Marie Lopa-Yu and deployment committee chair Mary Colon, for their continued efforts to save lives specially of those who have less in life.
Jokjok (from Jay-Ar Crisostomo of Sta. Cruz, Laguna)
Inday…kasama ang amo sa sementeryo…
Inday: Mam, lahat po pala ng nakalibing ditu.. ginahasa
Amo: Pano mo naman nalaman Inday
Inday: Tignan nyou po yung lapeda, nakasulat.. RIP..
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