Malacañang probing ‘tanim-bala’ incident

Malacañang is investigating the recent “tanim-bala” incident at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport, reiterating that President Rodrigo Duterte is not tolerating such modus operandi under his administration.

Special Assistant to the President Bong Go made the assurance on Saturday after one passenger was allegedly caught with a bullet in her luggage at NAIA Terminal 3 last week.

“Isa ito sa mga pangunahing concern ng ating Pangulo at pinangako niya noon na 'pag meron pang insidenteng mangyari tulad nito ay ipapakain niya 'yung bala,” Go told reporters.

According to a "Balitanghali" report by Jam Sisante, a video uploaded by a certain Crismark Pua showed how an inspection officer of the airport noticed a bullet inside the luggage of one passenger.

The report said the passenger had insisted that the bullet found inside her luggage was planted.

Go said the Department of Transportation, Manila International Airport Authority, and the Office of Transport Safety are also investigating the incident.

They are expected to submit their report on the incident within 24 hours, he added.

The presidential assistant also urged other victims of the modus to be vigilant and file a complaint to authorities as the government is willing to receive complaints and act on these incidents.

“Ang importante dito, walang naha-hassle, walang naargabyado, at walang kinikikilan na tulad noon,” he said.

Past incidents of alleged planting of bullets in passengers luggage by airport personnel for extortion, had become a national concern, and newly-elected President Duterte then vowed to stop the modus that victimized innocent passengers.