More people still caught with bullets at airport

GRIG C. MONTEGRANDE/INQUIRER FILE PHOTO

Even with the Office for Transportation Security (OTS) new “no touch” policy in its security screening process, more people are still being found with bullets and arrested at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (Naia).

According to records of the Aviation Security Group, it has arrested 23 people, mostly women and senior citizens, since Nov. 1 when the alleged “tanim bala” (bullet-planting) scheme was unmasked.

While most of the arrested ammunition-carriers have owned up to carrying the bullets for luck and protection, a handful still blame the alleged “tanim-bala” group at Naia for their misfortune.

Tighter security

The OTS, an attached agency of the Department of Transportation and Communications, attributes the noticeable increase in the number of bullet-toting people to security screening changes.

Manila International Airport Authority General Manager Jose Angel Honrado blames lack of public awareness and superstition.

When the first allegations of bullet-planting came out in September, the OTS started reviewing its security screening procedure.

“In response to the issue and to remove the public’s suspicion on our personnel, the management decided to adopt the ‘no-touch policy,’ where only the passenger handles his baggage and sifts through its contents to look for a detected contraband item,” said OTS deputy administrator Robert Villanueva.

Baggage feeders

Before, there were baggage feeders assigned at the security screening checkpoints to make sure that luggage is properly placed on the X-ray scanner conveyors.

Baggage feeders were soon removed and only three personnel—the X-ray operator, the baggage inspector and the frisker—are now assigned at each security screening checkpoint at the Naia terminals.

The OTS has also eliminated any physical contact between its personnel and passenger baggage. “This way, the possibility of bullet-planting by any of our employees is removed,” said Villanueva.

He said the installation of closed circuit TV systems in all security screening checkpoints and the initiative of passengers to seal their luggage in plastic or packaging tape have also helped to ensure it would impossible for anyone to slip anything into the passenger baggage.