The Department of Transportation (DOTr) on Sunday, June 17, said employees at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) did not commit any irregularity in the alleged ‘tanim bala’ incident that happened last Friday, June 15.
In a statement, DOTr said the baggage of passenger Kristine Moran was “still wrapped in plastic” when an x-ray detector detected the bullet inside her bag. The passenger claimed the incident to be a part of the ‘tanim bala’ scheme at the airport.
However, DOTr said actual inspection of bags is now recorded on video to avoid doubt among passengers after a series of ‘tanim bala’ schemes happened in 2015.
Following the discovery of a 9-mm ammunition in Moran’s bag, the passenger was assured they will be allowed to board their flight bound for Zamboanga once they submit the necessary documents.
DOTr reminded airport passengers that bullets are only confiscated and documented while passengers are still allowed to board their flights.
“Note that since the Duterte administration took over, not a single passenger has missed a flight due to a piece of ammunition. Not a single passenger was asked to pay any amount to anyone, which is what the ‘tanim bala’ scheme is all about,” it said.
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