‘Tanim-bala’ back at NAIA?

MANILA, Philippines — The bullet-planting or “tanim-bala” scheme has reportedly reemerged at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA).

Ruth Adel, 69, posted on social media her experience on March 6, wherein airport security personnel allegedly found a bullet casing in her suitcase before she and her family boarded a flight to Vietnam.

Inconsistent statements from the NAIA personnel, their dismissive attitude and attempts to cover their name tags fueled Adel’s suspicion that they were trying to extort money from her.

“We saw them on video laughing when I said I will report them to Senator Raffy Tulfo. I know they are involved in the laglag-bala modus,” Adel said.

“I thought the system has changed. Appropriate action must be undertaken. If they are not taught a lesson, these officials will continue to find new victims,” she noted.

Adele recounted that personnel of the Office for Transportation Security (OTS) said they found in her luggage an anting-anting or amulet made of an empty ammunition shell.

When their supervisor arrived, Adel said the personnel changed their story, instead allegedly finding a bullet casing in her handbag.

Adel has filed a complaint with the Manila International Airport Authority.