OTS, Aviation Security Group personnel warned if ‘tanim-bala’ continues

THE Public Attorney’s Office (PAO) has threatened to file counter-charges against members of the Office for Transport Security (OTS) and the Philippine National Police Aviation Security Group (PNP-ASG) if “tanim bala” (bullet planting) incidents would continue at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (Naia).

“Pag hindi sila tumigil, mapipilitan na kami na magsampa ng kaso at rumesbak,” PAO Chief Persida Rueda-Acosta told reporters after the preliminary investigation on the case against overseas Filipino Worker (OFW) Gina Maliwat.

She said they will file a complaint for planting of evidence.

“Nakakapagod na. Mga taga-PAO pagod na, mga prosecutors pagod na. Nakakatawa na ang bansa natin,” Acosta said.

To date, Acosta said 32 cases of tanim-bala have been dismissed by the prosecutors.

Maliwat, in her counter-affidavit which was sworn before the Philippine Consular Office in Macau, said she passed the initial X-ray screening at Naia Terminal II, but it was during the final screening that she was told that a bullet was found in the outer pocket of her shoulder bag.

“Respondent never dealt with firearms or ammunition. She does not even know how to handle a gun. She never believed in superstitions or amulets. She has absolutely no intention at all to possess the alleged bullet found inside her brown shoulder bag,” Maliwat’s manifestation, submitted to the DOJ through Acosta stated.

Maliwat added that she has no intention to possess or handle bullets.

She said: “I am a mere domestic helper whose dream/intent is to work abroad to help support my family financially.”

The case against Maliwat has been submitted for resolution.

Meanwhile, in another tanim-bala case which was filed by American missionary Lane Michael White, his camp already submitted a reply to the counter-affidavits filed by the OTS and PNP-ASG.

The DOJ has scheduled another preliminary investigation for Feb. 10.