By Darryl John Esguerra
MANILA – President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has ordered a thorough investigation into the alleged tanim-bala (bullet-planting) incident at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA), following a viral social media video that ignited concerns about the return of the extortion scheme, Malacañang said Monday.
In a press briefing, Presidential Communications Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said Marcos directed the Department of Transportation (DOTr) to conduct a detailed probe into the incident at the Terminal 3 in Pasay City on March 6.
“Hindi po maganda kung ito man po ay ma-uulit (This is not good if this happens again),” Castro said.
“Ito po talaga ay pa-iimbestigahan ng Pangulo at sa tulong na rin po ni DOTr Secretary Vince Dizon, pa-imbestigahan po ito at kung ito ay may katotohanan, maaari po na ang nagsagawa nito ay maaaring matanggal sa kanyang trabaho (The President has ordered an investigation into this incident. With the help of DOTr, we are looking into it and if proven true, those behind this should be terminated),” she added.
The “tanim-bala” scheme, which first surfaced in 2015, involves airport security officials allegedly planting bullets in the luggage of travelers. The unsuspecting passengers are then coerced into paying bribes to avoid facing charges for illegal possession of ammunition.
Castro stressed that the President would not tolerate such practices, particularly if Filipino citizens or tourists were victimized by airport personnel.
“Hindi po ito papayagan ng Pangulo. So, may kailangan pong managot, kung mayroong dapat managot (The President will not allow this. Someone will be held liable after the) thorough investigation,” she said.
Three airport security screening officers have been terminated for their alleged involvement in the latest incident of the alleged scheme, according to Dizon.
The 69-year-old passenger shared on social media her experience after she nearly missed her flight to Vietnam.
Personnel from the Office for Transportation Security (OTS), which is in charge of security and baggage screening at airports, went up to her to check her handbag despite having been cleared through security, alleging that airport security saw an anting-anting (amulet).
However, no bullet was discovered upon inspection. Photos and videos taken by the victims also showed the OTS personnel laughing during the commotion while covering their nameplates. (PNA)
