Mar on 'tanim-bala' modus: 'Syndicate' should be held liable

MANILA, Philippines - Liberal Party presidential candidate Manuel “Mar” Roxas II admitted that the bullet planting scam has sown anger and fear among many Filipinos but is optimistic that those behind the scheme would be caught.

Roxas attributed the extortion scheme to a “syndicate” and reiterated that he is one with Filipinos in condemning the modus operandi.

“The syndicates behind this should be held accountable. We condemn the greedy and selfish people behind this scheme that victimizes our countrymen,” Roxas said.

“I am confident that those behind this scheme will be caught. However, the damage has been done. Our OFWs (overseas Filipino workers), tourists, investors and ordinary travelers have been shocked and humiliated. The victims could have been one of us,” he added.

Roxas issued the statement after drawing flak for raising the possibility that the bullet planting scheme may be a plot to discredit the Aquino administration. Critics claimed Roxas’ statement was insensitive to the victims of the extortion scheme and reflected his lack of knowledge of the issue.  

Interestingly, Roxas’ latest statement no longer contained references to possible demolition jobs against the government and focused more on appeal to run after people behind the scam.  

“I am one with the entire nation in hoping for a speedy resolution to this issue,” the Liberal Party standard bearer said.

Transportation Secretary Joseph Abaya earlier said only 1,510 people or 0.004 percent of the 32.4 million passengers who passed through the four terminals of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport terminals have been apprehended for bringing bullets.

The statistics, however, do not matter for Roxas.

“Regardless of the statistics, ?one person wrongfully accused is one case too many,” he said.

Roxas called on the public to be vigilant and to cooperate with authorities while the scam is being investigated.