Bullets as amulets angle eyed in 'laglag-bala' probe

MANILA, Philippines — The supposed practice of carrying bullets as amulets is part of the ongoing government probe into the alleged "laglag-bala" extortion scheme of airport authorities, Malacañang said Tuesday.

Presidential Spokesperson Edwin Lacierda said there have been reports that some passengers bring bullets as amulets to protect them from harm.
"I think that is being looked into as well, whether they are being brought because they are amulets. It's a cultural thing," Lacierda said in a press briefing.

Lacierda declined to comment on the proposed measures to address the bullet-planting scam, saying he would preempt the investigation of the Department of Transportation and Communication (DOTC).

He hoped that the DOTC will reveal to the public within this week the measures that will be undertaken by the government.

"I can assure you that the measures that are going to be undertaken by the DOTC will take into consideration some of the matters that are being discussed," he said.

Lacierda maintained that "the correct identification of the problem leads to the correct identification of the solution."

"It's an approach where we need to look at everything and I understand that there are concerns to immediately act on certain things," he said.

Lacierda is also leaving it up to legislators to amend the firearms and ammunitions law to help solve the problem.

"If the sound judgment of the legislature deems it proper to amend the law, then we will execute whatever law that is passed," the Palace official said.  — Louis Bacani