Corruption at NAIA

Seven cases of ‘tanim bala’ at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) and one case at Davao City Airport are just too much, supporting the theory that a syndicate is behind the extortion scheme wherein victims were asked to pay huge amounts to avoid criminal charges. This has become a lucrative business victimizing defenseless overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) or tourists.

Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte suspected the bullets are being planted at the very moment the victims entered the airport, at the cargo hold wherein only airline employees and the police can enter the area. The fearless Davao Mayor warned all airport personnel to stop planting bullets of passengers, otherwise, he will not think twice in ordering a member of the syndicate to swallow the planted bullet right in front of the victim. He called on President Benigno ‘Noynoy’ Aquino III to address the nation on the issue to put an end to the illegal activity.

The latest ‘laglag-bala’ victim was Nimfa Fontamillas, 65 years old, who was caught last Sunday at NAIA, for having an ammunition inside her bag. She is now under the custody of PNP Aviation Security Group for proper documentation of her case.

Earlier, Malacañang downplayed the alleged scam, saying that such incidents are only few compared to the supposedly smooth flow of thousands of passengers in Philippine airports. They even encourage the public to put issues in the proper context.

Last Saturday, President Aquino directed DOTC Secretary Joseph Emilio Abaya to probe the so-called tanim bala incidents due to nationwide public indignation. Why did DOTC Secretary Abaya have to wait for a presidential directive to conduct an in-depth investigation? The bullet-planting scheme has been rampant at NAIA terminals since 2005.

Employees of the Department of Transportation and Communications’ Office for Transport Security (DOTC-OTS) and NAIA are the main suspects, adding another clear case of corruption under the “Daang Matuwid” administration. The increasing number of victims of the laglag-bala incident is a clear case that corruption defeats the purpose of law enforcement.

Valenzuela Rep. Sherwin Gatchalian and Yacap Rep. Carol Lopez have asked for a House investigation.

Sarangani Rep Manny Pacquiao, vice chaiman of the House committee on OFW welfare, condemned the extortion racket and asked for government investigation. He also offered free legal assistance to victims, due to inaction of the government.

More lawmakers and  migrant labor advocacy leaders joined calls for a formal investigation into the so-called “laglag-bala” at the NAIA.

The complaints of several foreign victims, including US Missionary Lane Michael White, who claimed he was a victim of a tanim-bala scam, have drawn foreign media attention and have placed the Philippines in another embarrassing controversy.

Malacañang should put a stop to this scam because the stakes are high.

Broadcaster shot dead

Jose Bernardo, a dwBL broadcaster and correspondent and columnist of tabloid Banderang Pilipino Weekly, was shot dead in front of a restaurant in Barangay Camarin, Caloocan City last Saturday night. He is the 32nd journalist to be killed during the Aquino administration. Quezon City Mayor Herbert Bautista and Rep. Alfred Vargas condemned the killing.

Meanwhile, in Patikul, Sulu, the body of a Korean, kidnapped by the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG), was found dead near the Sulu State College. Noui Seong Hong, 74, was seized, together with his son, at his home in R.T. Lim town in Zamboanga Sibugay on Jan. 24 of this year.

In Camarines Norte, New People’s Army (NPA) bandits attacked the Namukanan Bridge Project in Lobo, killing a soldier and a Cafgu member – Private Reymark Camila Regore and Anthony Aceron. The contractor, EUS Contruction, refused to give the extortion demands of the NPAs that led to their attack. Aside from the casualties, the government lost two M-14 carbines and an M-16 automatic rifle.

Tributes to Boy Herrera’s greatness

US labor lawyer and activist Steve Lyon: “I had lost the most wonderful, honorable and inspirational friend, Senator ‘Boy’ Ernesto Herrera. As all of us who had the pleasure of knowing him will attest, he was a true ‘Man of Greatness.’ Having his friendship was nothing less than wearing a badge of honor and I will forever remain grateful for having his blessed influence on my life. My most sincere prayers, respects and condolences go out to Ernest Herrera, Nino Herrera and all of his beautiful and loving family.”

Senate President Franklin Drilon: “I have known Boy for decades and I witnessed how committed he was in fighting for the cause, rights and welfare of millions of our workers. He was a giant of Philippine labor. Our country’s workers have lost a champion.”

House Speaker Feliciano Belmonte Jr: “The name of Boy has been synonymous with his staunch advocacies relating to trade unions in the country and has been General Secretary of the Trade Union Congress since 1983. He was a consultant for the International Labor Organization (ILO). We thank Boy Herrera for his valuable service to our nation and its people as we pray for his eternal rest.”

Former Senator Rene Saguisag called him a “long-time and valued friend.” He remembered Herrera “with respect and admiration.” “I first heard of Boy as a courageous member of the Agrava Board. He voted to indict the powerful, to the irritation of Marcos. He was a prominent labor leader. He was the prime proponent of the return of the death penalty. I was against and in effect filibustered in the Senate, to his displeasure. He was, as always, full of cheer and optimism when last we met. I’ll remember him that way.”