17 held at airports for bullets

MANILA, Philippines – The police Aviation Security Group (ASG) intercepted 17 passengers who had bullets among their belongings, 15 of them at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) terminals this week alone.

The other two were caught at the Naga airport and the Mactan-Cebu International airport.

Chief Insp. Samuel Hojilla, ASG public information office spokesman, said since Monday this week, at least three persons were caught carrying bullets at the NAIA terminal 1, four at terminal 2 and eight at terminal 3.

Despite the information drive of the Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) through signage, voice recorders, and “last chance” booths where passengers can drop the prohibited items, Hojilla said many still get arrested for the same offense.

He added that most of those arrested admit to using the bullets either as an amulet or a souvenir. 

Four of those nabbed were freed after the Public Attorney’s Office (PAO) argued for them, while the rest were charged with violating RA 10591, the law on firearms and ammunitions.

Meanwhile, Chief Supt. Pablo Francisco Balagtas, ASG director, welcomed the lifestyle check on some members of his unit, adding that they have nothing to hide.