House to probe NAIA scams

MANILA, Philippines - The House of Representatives will conduct a parallel inquiry into the alleged practice of some personnel of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) of extorting money from passengers after planting bullets in their luggage.

“This so-called ‘laglag-bala’ extortion racket is a disgrace to the NAIA as an institution even though only a handful of its personnel could be involved in such nefarious activity,” Valenzuela City Rep. Sherwin Gatchalian, who filed a resolution calling for the inquiry, said.

 “This has to be investigated to ensure that this kind of condemnable act is permanently stopped,” he added.

At least two incidents have been reported, the latest involving American tourist Michael White, who was detained by the airport police for five days. 

A .22 caliber bullet was allegedly found in White’s luggage. He said a male security guard told him that his problem could be “settled” for P30,000. 

Two bullets were also reportedly found in the luggage of a wheelchair-bound balikbayan who was forced to shell out P500 to an airport security personnel so she could leave the country.

The Office for Transportation Security has started its inquiry into the scam.

Sen. Ralph Recto said he would also file a resolution seeking an investigation of abuses allegedly committed by NAIA employees against tourists and balikbayans.