Metro Manila (CNN Philippines) – The government is stepping up to save the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) from its reputation as one of the worst in the world.
Labor, transportation, justice, and local government officials have signed an agreement on Tuesday (February 16) to improve airport security screening and form guidelines on the investigation and speedy resolution of bullet planting incidents.
In 2015, the so-called “tanim bala” scam sent chills down the spine of travellers who resorted to remedies such as wrapping their luggage in plastic.
Also read: Avoiding ‘tanim bala: Luggage wrapping services offered at NAIA
The victims were mostly overseas Filipino workers (OFWs), senior citizens, and tourists.
After allegedly inserting a bullet in the baggage of travellers, scammers demand money to drop charges of unlawful possession of ammunition.
The new agreement avoids finger-pointing among government offices in extortion cases supposedly involving airport workers.
Also read: DOTC’s Abaya, MIAA’s Honrado face complaint over ‘tanim bala’ scheme
It also caters especially to OFWs, as it requires the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) to post representatives at the NAIA terminals 24/7 to assist OFWs found carrying prohibited items.
The government formed a task force to look into the cases of alleged bullet planting in order to file appropriate charges.
So far, one case has been filed against airport police and security personnel for conspiring to extort money from American tourist Lane Michael White and his step mother Eloisa Zoleta.
Less “tanim bala” cases
Airport officials said the number of complaints involving the “tanim bala” incidents has significantly gone down.
“The most important improvement of the procedure is the no-hands policy of the OTS (Office for Transportation Security)… Says that ‘how can we do it we can’t even touch your luggage?” said General Manager Angel Honrado of the Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA).
Transportation Secretary Jun Abaya said he is also working to transfer control of baggage screening to the MIAA. The work is currently done by personnel from the OTS.
“We want it immediately, in fact we would’ve wanted it yesterday but again we have to check with CSC, we comply with rules, we check with DBM to get the mission accomplished,” Abaya said.
Despite its risks, authorities said some passengers still dare bringing a bullet on the flight as an amulet.
Also read: How to avoid falling prey to ‘tanim bala’ scheme
