2 more arrested at NAIA for bullets

MANILA, Philippines - Two more persons have been arrested at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) for alleged bullet possession.

Josephine Agbayani and Gerald Udarbe were held at the NAIA on Monday. They were ordered released on the same day by prosecutors after inquest proceedings.

The cases of Agbayani and Udarbe were among the 30 incidents handled by the Public Attorney’s Office (PAO) since the controversy on tanim-bala (bullet-planting) broke earlier this month.

The 52-year-old Agbayani was caught with a bullet, which she said was an amulet. Udarbe, 25, was bound for Macau when he was nabbed.

PAO chief Persida Rueda-Acosta said they have so far assisted 30 people caught with bullets at the airport.

She said the charges against 22 individuals have been dismissed.

Acosta said nine others were apprehended at the Port of Manila for bullet possession since Nov. 6. Most of them have been released for further investigation.

Justice Undersecretary Emmanuel Caparas lauded the PAO for its response to the bullet planting incidents.

‘National disgrace’

Reacting to the statement of President Aquino, who said only three of 34 million travelers fell victim to the extortion scheme, senatorial candidate and overseas Filipino workers (OFW) advocate Susan Ople said incidents of tanim-bala at the NAIA may be few but such cases have become a national disgrace.

Ople said victims of the illegal scheme have suffered trauma and fear.

 “I respect the President’s views on the small number of tanim-bala cases. If we look at this problem in terms of number yes it is small. But if you consider the trauma and fear experienced by the victims, especially Gloria Ortinez, it becomes a national disgrace,” Ople said.

A group of OFWs slammed the President for saying that bullet-planting incidents were sensationalized by the media.

“It is not being sensationalized, the Aquino government is just numb and heartless to the sufferings of OFWs,” Migrante –Middle East regional coordinator John Leonard Monterona said. – Edu Punay, Mayen Jaymalin