DOTC revises baggage handling rules due to ‘tanim-bala’

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Transportation and Communications has revamped certain baggage handling procedures at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport, which has made international news over an alleged bullet planting scam, a senior government official said.

The issue has cast a cloud over the integrity of personnel from the Office Of Transportation Security.

The alleged scheme involves airport security personnel planting bullets inside the bags of unsuspecting passengers, with the intention of detaining and extorting money from them later on.

The scandal, also known as the “tanim bala” scam, has placed the spotlight on conditions at NAIA, the country’s main gateway, which in the past had been cited among the world’s worst airports by certain blog sites.

It also comes at a time when the country has been moving to address congestion issues as it seeks to lure more foreign visitors.

“We continue our investigation and info gathering to ensure any operation of tanim bala, if ever there is any, is addressed and halted,” Transportation and Communications Secretary Joseph Abaya said in a text message.

In a meeting with Malacañang on Monday, Abaya said certain baggage handling procedures were modified “where only passengers handle them.”

He added that the government has started installing closed circuit television cameras in the screening stations. He said larger signs warning passengers about carrying ammunition would likewise be installed.

Abaya also downplayed the incidents.

“We briefed the President on the statistics since 2012 and we’ve shown there hasn’t been any change in ammunition incidents (souvenirs/shells/necklaces/live ammo) until 2015,” Abaya said.

He said some of the apprehensions stemmed from lapses by the passengers themselves.

“There also was an OFW [overseas Filipino worker] whose mom placed a bullet in the bag of her daughter truly believing it is an amulet that will provide her protection,” Abaya said. “Another passenger borrowed a bag from a colonel and live ammo was left in the bag.”  SFM