21 NAIA cops relieved, probed over tanim-bala

MANILA, Philippines - Twenty-one members of the Philippine National Police-Aviation Security Group (PNP-ASG) have been relieved from their posts at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) and are being probed over the tanim-bala (bullet-planting) scheme.

PNP-ASG director Francisco Pablo Balagtas said the 21 police officers were slapped with administrative charges for failing to report the total number of passengers arrested for alleged possession of bullets.

Balagtas said the Office of Transportation Security said they made 1,212 arrests in connection with the tanim-bala scandal from January to September this year.

However, the PNP-ASG reported only 51 apprehensions during the same period.

Balagtas said 68 more ASG personnel linked to alleged planting of bullets in the luggage of airline passengers are being investigated.

Earlier, PNP chief Director General Ricardo Marquez said they were looking at conducting a lifestyle check on ASG members to dispel public perception that police officers were involved in the alleged extortion racket at the NAIA.