QUEZON CITY, (PIA) — The Department of Transportation (DOTr) has promised swift action in response to an alleged “tanim-bala” incident involving a 69-year-old female passenger at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA).
During a press conference on Monday, March 10, Office for Transportation Security (OTS) Administrator Arthur Bisnar emphasized that airport security should not come at the expense of passenger treatment.
“There are many ways to implement security without resorting to disrespect or harassment of our passengers,” Bisnar said.
He assured the public that those found responsible would face termination, in line with directives from Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon.
An ongoing investigation has uncovered lapses in standard procedures by airport security personnel, who should have performed a physical check at the X-ray screening area.
“There were indeed shortcomings on the part of our personnel, as they pursued the individual at the boarding gate without verifying who the passenger was and what luggage was involved,” Bisnar explained.
The “tanim-bala” scheme, which involves allegedly planting bullets in passengers’ luggage for extortion, has long been a controversy at NAIA. The DOTr and the OTS have pledged to implement stricter measures to prevent such incidents.
In response to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s call for government officials to be “people’s servants and not their lords,” the DOTr and OTS have already dismissed three screening officers involved in the incident that took place at NAIA Terminal 3 on March 6, 2025.
Meanwhile, Secretary Dizon reiterated the President’s message that misuse of power by government personnel will not be tolerated, recalling a prior incident involving Land Transportation Office employees who mishandled a farmer in Panglao, Bohol.
“We are sending a clear message that we will not tolerate this behavior against our citizens. We are serious about this,” Dizon said. “Just because you are a government employee does not give you the right to abuse others.”
The investigation into the three screening officers will continue despite their immediate dismissal.
Charges will be filed once the investigation is complete. Additionally, the OTS has begun a thorough review of security screening protocols in relation to this incident.
Bisnar reassured the public that any abuses by officers, such as those recently shared on social media, will not be overlooked.
“There is no need to disrespect or harass our passengers to ensure airport security. There are many ways to uphold security effectively,” he said.
The OTS recognizes the concerns raised by this incident and affirms its commitment to maintaining the highest security standards at all domestic and international airports.
The department is working to uphold rigorous security measures that comply with the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) standards while minimizing disruptions and ensuring traveler safety.
The public is encouraged to report any similar cases of abuse or harassment by personnel to the OTS Hotline at 0960-461-6877 or the DOTr Commuter Hotline at 0920-946-3687. (JCO/PIA-NCR)
(Photo courtesy: Department of Transportation Philippines Facebook)
