Airport security screeners wear pink armbands during a Mass at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport on Friday. The security screeners appeal for public understanding while investigation of the “tanim-bala” scam is underway. (MNS photo)
MANILA (Mabuhay) – Two women were allegedly apprehended for carrying bullets inside their bag at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) on Monday.
Antonina Agustin, 71, was only supposed to fetch relatives from the airport when two bullets were detected inside her pouch during the screening at the arrival area of NAIA Terminal 3.
Upon inspection, the bullets were discovered to be of caliber 9 and 38 mm.
A 35-year-old mother bound for Davao with her baby was also apprehended at the NAIA Terminal 3 for carrying a bullet.
Authorities found the caliber 9 mm bullet inside the bag Edna Sanchez had packed for her baby’s things.
The Philippine National Police Aviation Security Group (PNP-AVSEGROUP) said both Sanchez and Agustin admitted to using the bullets as talismans.
The police unit is still investigating their cases.
The incidents come as the House Committees on National Defense and Security at Foreign Affairs conducted an ocular inspection at the airport in light of the alleged”tanim-bala” scam.
The Office for Transportation Security (OTS) earlier denied that its personnel are involved in planting bullets inside the luggage of unsuspecting passengers to extort money.
Fifteen OTS personnel are under investigation over the alleged scam and have been placed under restricted status, OTS deputy administrator Roberto Villanueva said.
Villanueva said the alleged extortion scheme has yet to be confirmed, pending the results of a probe by the National Investigation Bureau (NBI), which may be released after a month. (MNS)