𝗡𝗘𝗪𝗦: "DOTr fires 3 OTS officers over alleged 'tanim-bala' incidents at NAIA" by Bridget Berin

 

Published by: Sarah Belamide

Date Published: March 18, 2025

Time Published: 8:30 AM 

The Department of Transportation (DOTr) has dismissed three Office of Transportation Security (OTS) personnel over an alleged "tanim-bala" (bullet-planting) incident involving 69-year-old Ruth Adel at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) in Pasay City, on March 6.  

Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon confirmed their termination, emphasizing the agency’s zero-tolerance policy for any form of abuse.  

“We will not allow any form of abuse or extortion in our airports. Those found guilty of wrongdoing will face immediate consequences,” Dizon stated.  

Adel claimed that NAIA security personnel attempted to place a bullet casing in her luggage as she prepared to board a flight to Vietnam with her family.  

In a viral social media post, she recounted how security personnel stopped her at the boarding gate, alleging that an X-ray scan had detected an "anting-anting" (amulet) resembling a bullet shell in her bag. 

Despite denying the accusation and requesting an immediate inspection, the officers insisted she return to the screening area, causing distress and nearly making her miss her flight.  

Dizon has since directed OTS officials to review and enhance security screening procedures to prevent similar incidents.  

Additionally, the DOTr plans to establish a hotline for passengers to report their experiences at NAIA, aiming to improve transparency and accountability within airport operations.  

OTS Administrator Arthur Velasco Bisnar acknowledged lapses in procedure, stating that the involved personnel failed to conduct an immediate physical inspection and instead pursued the passenger to the boarding gate without clear confirmation of the alleged item.  

The "tanim-bala" scheme, in which bullets are allegedly planted in passengers’ luggage for extortion, has been a recurring issue at NAIA in past years, prompting public outrage and renewed calls for stricter oversight of airport security personnel.

REFERENCES: 

Ombay, G. (2025, March 10). DOTr: 3 airport employees linked to alleged 'tanim-bala' sacked. GMA NEWS https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/nation/938743/dotr-3-airport-employees-linked-in-alleged-tanim-bala-sacked/story/

Borbon, C. (2025, March 10). Tanim bala resurfaces at NAIA: DOTr chief sacks 3 airport personnel for bullet planting. Gulf News https://gulfnews.com/world/asia/philippines/tanim-bala-resurfaces-at-naia-dotr-chief-sacks-3-ots-personnel-1.500056572?utm_source=

Manalo, J. (2025, March 10). DOTr chief sacks 3 transport personnel over 'tanim-bala' modus. Cebu Daily News https://cebudailynews.inquirer.net/627030/dotr-chief-sacks-3-transport-personnel-over-tanim-bala-modus?

Salcedo, D.J. (2025, March 10). Three NAIA security personnel fired over allegey 'tanim-bala' incident. Aviation Updates Philippines https://aviationupdatesph.com/2025/03/three-naia-security-personnel-fired-over-alleged-tanim-bala-incident/