THE Department of Transportation (DOTr) has swiftly fired three Office of Transportation Security (OTS) employees allegedly involved in a recent “tanim-bala” (bullet-planting) incident at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA).
Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon announced the terminations during a Monday press conference, emphasizing the administration’s zero-tolerance policy for such abuses.
“Appropriate investigations will be conducted and the proper administrative charges will be filed after the investigation has been conducted. But now we are terminating them already today,” Dizon stated, adding, “We will not stand for any abuse. Any abuse will be dealt with the same result and the same swift action from us.”
The incident involved 69-year-old Ruth Adel, who accused NAIA security personnel of planting a bullet casing in her luggage as she was about to board a flight to Vietnam on March 6. Adel’s viral social media post detailed how NAIA security claimed an x-ray image showed an “anting-anting” (amulet) resembling a bullet casing, despite a subsequent physical inspection finding nothing.
Secretary Dizon has instructed OTS officials to review screening procedures and security protocols at NAIA and announced the establishment of a passenger hotline for reporting similar incidents.
OTS administrator Arthur Velasco Bisnar confirmed that while the investigation is ongoing, irregularities were evident. Bisnar explained that the passengers were in a hurry, allowing them to retrieve their luggage before a physical check could be conducted, highlighting a procedural failure by security personnel.
Senator Grace Poe, welcoming the DOTr’s swift action, cautioned against a resurgence of this extortion scheme. “Innocent travelers do not deserve the trauma and trouble caused by rogue airport personnel supposed to provide security, not imperil their safety,” Poe stated, urging assistance for the affected passenger.
The “tanim-bala” scheme, also known as the “TaLaBa” extortion scheme, was a significant issue during the Aquino III administration and was investigated by the Senate in 2015.
The New NAIA Infra Corp. (NNIC), the airport’s operator, is cooperating with the OTS to reinforce security monitoring, improve screening procedures, and enhance transparency to prevent similar incidents and restore public confidence.
The swift action taken by the DOTr underscores the government’s commitment to addressing this recurring problem and ensuring a safe and secure travel experience for all passengers.
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