DOJ forms special team to probe 'tanim-bala' scam

MANILA, Philippines — Justice Secretary Alfredo Benjamin Caguioa on Wednesday directed the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) to form special task force to investigate the alleged bullet-planting or "laglag-bala" incidents at airports.

Through Order 887, Caguioa ordered the NBI to assemble a seven-man team tasked to review evidence, which includes video and audio recordings, in connection with the scam.

The Justice chief gave the NBI's anti-TALABA or "tanim, laglag bala" scam team only 15 days starting Wednesday to conclude its investigation.

Caguioa also directed the NBI team to get the sworn statements of those who claimed to be victims of the extortion scheme, verify existing cases, and identify perpetrators.

NBA agent Manuel Antonio Eduarte has been tasked to lead the group.

He is joined by Supervising Agent Manuel Fayre, Jr., Supervising Agent Dennis Asistio, Special Investigator IV, Joselito Guillen, Special Agent Aubren Cosidon, Special Investigator III Rodelio Velez and Special Investigator III Marvin Villena.