The Department of Transportation and Communication (DOTC) has warned individuals and groups behind the bullet-planting scheme at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (Naia) that they would face charges if proven guilty.
In a press conference on Wednesday, Transportation and Communication secretary Joseph Emilio Abaya said that allegations on bullet-planting or “tanim-bala” are grave accusations, which prompted the agency to launch an investigation.
“We have to investigate. We can’t let this slide,” Abaya said.
READ: Ouster of airport execs in ‘tanim-bala’ pressed
He said some cases of bullets being found in passengers’ luggage were legitimate, saying passengers have admitted to using these as amulets or “anting-anting.”
However, Abaya said that there have been cases involving possible corruption and extortion.
He said charges have been filed against two airport security personnel allegedly involved in extortion in an ammunition-related incident.
Abaya added that government officers found to be behind the “tanim-bala” scheme may face life imprisonment.
The DOTC chief vowed to cooperate with the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) on investigating the series of bullet-planting incidents at Naia.
He, however, said that the ammunition-related incidents at Naia have been “blown out of proportion.”
READ: NAIA porters suffer backlash from ‘bullet-planting’ racket | No penalty for carrying empty bullet, says Recto
Abaya said that such incidents at Naia have, in fact, declined since 2012.
Figures show that 1, 214 cases of ammunitions found in passenger luggage were recorded in 2012; 2,184 in 2013; 1,813 in 2014; and 1,394 in 2015.
Abaya said Naia has started installing additional CCTV cameras to monitor baggage screening starting Nov 2.
To avoid bullet-planting by airport security personnel and other similar incidents, Office of the Transportation Security head Roland Recomono said a “no touch policy” has been implemented since September 2015. This means that security personnel could not touch luggage or bags flagged with suspicious contents including bullets.
While a thorough investigation is ongoing, Abaya asked the public not to “demonize” airport security officials and security personnel. CDG
RELATED STORIES
DOTC revises baggage handling rules due to ‘tanim-bala’
NBI ordered to probe ‘tanim-bala’ scam