CNN hero nearly robbed at NAIA

MANILA, Philippines - Teacher Efren Peñaflorida, recently awarded as CNN’s Hero of the Year, nearly lost his hygiene kit to a man who snatched it from him as he was about to board a car at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) parking area yesterday.

Peñaflorida, 28, came from a speaking engagement in Hong Kong and was about to board the car that would take him to a concert-rally for a cause in Makati City when the incident occurred at around 1:30 p.m.

One of Peñaflorida’s companions, Rezcebel Fajardo, said they saw Molly Fernandez, 52, snatch the pouch from Peñaflorida’s hand. They and Peñaflorida noticed that Fernandez always stood so close to the CNN hero.

They alerted NAIA police officer Edmond Ignacio, who, with the help of two security guards, chased Fernandez and recovered the pouch from him.

Fernandez, a resident of San Pedro, Laguna, said he was about to give Peñaflorida the pouch, which had fallen when the CNN hero was about to board the car.

Fernandez was brought to the Pasay police for further investigation.

NAIA general manager Alfonso Cusi said he ordered 24-hour patrols and the deployment of more security guards at the arrival and departure areas to protect travelers.