Another traveler nabbed for bullets, released

MANILA, Philippines - Another passenger was apprehended at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport last Tuesday for bullet possession. 

Lilly Chung, 61, a Caticlan-bound passenger who was placed under custody for possession of three bullets, was ordered released on the same day by the prosecutor on duty at the airport.

Chief Public Attorney Persida Rueda-Acosta said yesterday Chung was released for the same reason cited in the previous cases – lack of criminal intent to possess ammunition.

“She was carrying the bullets as amulets she got from a Buddhist monk,” Acosta said.

The prosecutor on duty at the airport ordered Chung’s release after inquest proceedings did not show malevolent intent to possess and use the bullet for a criminal purpose.

The incident took place on Tuesday during heightened security for the arrival of heads of state who participated in the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit.

No similar incident was reported on Wednesday and yesterday as the APEC summit ended.

The Public Attorney’s Office (PAO) has so far helped 28 individuals caught with bullets at the airport. Complaints against 17 of the agency’s clients have been dismissed for lack of intent to possess the bullet and use it for malevolent purposes.

PAO has motions to dismiss the case against 11 of its clients pending with the prosecutor’s office.