Airport scam alert: Security accused of planting bullets again
- Paul Aage Hegvik
- Mar 16
- 8 min read
Updated: Mar 17
The Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) in Manila in Philippines is once again facing controversy as three security personnel from the Office for Transportation Security (OTS) were dismissed due to their alleged involvement in a bullet-planting scam.
This scam, known locally as «tanim-bala», involves airport officials planting bullets in travelers’ luggage to extort money.
On March 6, 2025, a 69-year-old woman named Ruth Adel was preparing to board a flight to Vietnam with her family at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 3. As they waited at the boarding gate, personnel from the Office for Transportation Security (OTS) approached her, claiming that an X-ray scan had detected an «anting-anting»—a local term for an amulet—in the form of a bullet casing inside her handbag.
Requested inspection
Surprised by the allegation, Ms. Adel requested an immediate inspection of her bag at the gate. The OTS personnel, however, insisted she accompany them elsewhere for the inspection. Concerned about missing her flight, Ms. Adel and her family refused to leave the gate area. Upon conducting the inspection on the spot, no bullet or casing was found in her belongings.
Ms. Adel documented the incident, capturing videos of the interaction. She noted that the security officers attempted to obscure their name tags and informed her that recording them was prohibited. Following the incident, Ms. Adel expressed feelings of distress and concern, fearing that others might be subjected to similar schemes.
Investigating ordered by the president
In response to the incident, the Department of Transportation (DOTr) swiftly terminated the employment of the three OTS personnel involved. Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon emphasized the government's zero-tolerance policy towards such abuses and assured the public of stricter measures to prevent future occurrences.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has ordered a thorough investigation into the incident, underscoring the administration's commitment to protecting citizens and travelers from corrupt practices.
He emphasized that such acts, targeting both tourists and Filipino citizens, are unacceptable and will not be tolerated. The President has directed the Department of Transportation (DOTr), led by Secretary Vince Dizon, to conduct the investigation and ensure that those responsible are held accountable.
This event has reignited concerns about the «tanim-bala» (bullet-planting) scam, a scheme where airport security personnel allegedly plant bullets in passengers' luggage to extort money. The scam gained notoriety in previous years, leading to public outrage and demands for stricter oversight at the country's main gateway.
Scandal in 2015
The bullet-planting scheme first gained international attention in 2015, when dozens of passengers, including Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) and foreign tourists, were detained after bullets were allegedly «discovered» in their luggage. Victims were often given the option to pay a hefty fine or face criminal charges for illegal possession of ammunition. Many accused corrupt airport officials of orchestrating the scheme to extort money.
Due to public outrage and global media coverage, the Philippine government took action, leading to increased surveillance and the removal of certain officials. The recent March 2025 case suggests that the scam may still be occurring despite past reforms.
Latest developments
According to reports, three OTS employees have been sacked following an investigation into their involvement in bullet-planting at NAIA. Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon confirmed their dismissal and emphasized the government’s commitment to eradicating corruption within the airport system.
«This administration will not tolerate any form of extortion or abuse of authority in our airports,» Dizon stated. He also assured passengers that additional security measures will be implemented to prevent similar incidents in the future.
«This administration will not tolerate any form of extortion or abuse of authority in our airports»
Impact on travelers
The resurgence of tanim-bala has once again raised concerns among both local and international travelers, particularly OFWs who frequently use NAIA. Many fear being falsely accused, detained, and forced to pay bribes just to continue their journey.
Several lawmakers and human rights groups are now calling for stronger penalties against corrupt airport officials and better oversight of security procedures.
Security advice
Use TSA-approved locks or wrap your luggage in plastic to prevent tampering.
Record your baggage check with your phone for proof in case of issues.
Do not accept packages or items from strangers.
Use only official airport taxis or ride-hailing services like Grab.
Stay alert at security checks and personally handle your belongings.
Report suspicious behavior to airport authorities immediately. TSA-approved locks are designed for U.S. airports where the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) can open them using a master key. While they can still be used at NAIA, they are not required.
For better security at NAIA, consider:
Plastic-wrapping your luggage at airport services.
Using non-TSA locks (as security in NAIA doesn’t need to open bags like TSA).
Keeping valuables in carry-on luggage to avoid theft.
What’s next?
As the government moves to rebuild trust in NAIA, passengers are advised to take extra precautions, including:
Filming the baggage check process as proof of security screening.
Wrapping luggage in plastic or using TSA-approved locks to prevent tampering.
Refusing to handle any items from strangers at the airport.
«Tanim-bala» scandal in 2015
How did the Philippine government addressed the «tanim-bala» scandal in 2015?
The tanim-bala scheme at NAIA was a major controversy in 2015, causing widespread outrage and damaging the airport’s reputation. In response, the Philippine government implemented a series of measures to curb the scam:
Deployment of modern X-ray scanners with better image recognition to prevent unauthorized insertion of bullets into luggage.
Installation of more security cameras in baggage inspection areas to monitor the screening process and ensure transparency.
Introduction of the «No Touch» policy, which required passengers to personally open their own bags instead of security personnel handling them.
Criminal investigations and arrests of several airport personnel suspected of involvement in tanim-bala, with multiple employees dismissed.
New laws such as Republic Act 10913, or the «Anti-Planting of Evidence Act,» making it illegal for authorities to plant evidence, including bullets, on individuals.
Public Attorney’s Office (PAO) providing legal assistance to victims and airlines launching awareness campaigns about the scam.
By 2016, underformer president Rodrigo Duterte, the tanim-bala issue had significantly decreased due to stricter enforcement and a no-tolerance policy for airport corruption. Today, cases of bullet-planting are rare, but strict security measures remain in place to protect passengers from potential scams at NAIA.
Key facts about the airport
An Overview
History and background
Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA), located in Manila, Philippines, serves as the primary international gateway to the country. Established in 1948, it was initially known as Manila International Airport. In 1987, it was renamed in honor of Senator Benigno «Ninoy» Aquino Jr., a prominent opposition leader assassinated at the airport in 1983.
47 million passengers annually
As of 2025, NAIA handles approximately 47 million passengers annually, making it one of the busiest airports in Southeast Asia. This significant volume underscores the airport's crucial role in connecting the Philippines to various global destinations.
Terminal overview
NAIA comprises four terminals, each serving distinct functions to manage the extensive passenger flow:
Terminal 1: The oldest terminal, primarily accommodating international flights. It has undergone several renovations to enhance passenger experience and comply with international standards.
Terminal 2: Also known as the Centennial Terminal, it exclusively serves Philippine Airlines for both domestic and international flights. Designed by Leandro Locsin, a National Artist of the Philippines, it offers dedicated facilities for the nation's flag carrier.
Terminal 3: The largest terminal, handling both international and domestic flights for various airlines, including Cebu Pacific and All Nippon Airways. Equipped with modern amenities, it aims to provide a seamless travel experience.
Terminal 4: The smallest and oldest, catering to domestic flights operated by budget airlines such as AirSWIFT and SkyJet. Despite its size, it remains functional and efficient for short-haul domestic routes.
Inter-terminal transportation
To facilitate movement between terminals, NAIA offers several transportation options:
Shuttle bus service: A complimentary shuttle bus operates at regular intervals, connecting all four terminals. This service is available to passengers with valid boarding passes or tickets.
Airport loop bus: For a nominal fee, passengers can utilize the Airport Loop Bus, which links NAIA terminals with key locations in Metro Manila, such as the MRT and LRT stations.
Taxis and ride-sharing services: Metered taxis and accredited ride-sharing services are readily available at designated pick-up points outside each terminal, offering flexible options for inter-terminal transfers.
Taxi recommendations
When considering taxi services at NAIA, passengers are advised to:
Use official taxi services: Opt for metered taxis or those with fixed rates authorized by airport authorities to ensure safety and fair pricing.
Avoid unofficial offers: Refrain from accepting unsolicited rides from individuals inside the terminal, as these may not be regulated and could pose security risks.
Confirm rates: Before commencing the journey, confirm the estimated fare or ensure the meter is functioning correctly to prevent disputes upon arrival at your destination.
NAIA's modernization is underway with San Miguel Corporation leading the transformation. Plans include a new terminal to handle 35 million passengers annually, improved baggage systems, expanded parking, and a Metro Manila Subway link for better connectivity. Credit: Ninoy Aquino International Airport | Official Facebook Page
Infrastructure developments
To address congestion and improve accessibility, several infrastructure projects are underway:
New access roads: Construction of additional access roads aims to streamline traffic flow to and from the airport, reducing travel time and easing congestion on existing routes.
New terminal plans: A proposal for a new terminal is in the pipeline, intended to increase capacity and enhance passenger experience. This development is part of a broader initiative to modernize NAIA and maintain its competitiveness as a regional aviation hub.
These efforts reflect a commitment to elevating the standards of air travel infrastructure, ensuring that NAIA continues to serve as a vital conduit for international and domestic connectivity.
San Miguel Corporation (SMC), leading the New NAIA Infrastructure Corp. (NNIC), has initiated a comprehensive modernization plan for the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA). This initiative aims to enhance passenger capacity and overall airport efficiency.
Key aspects of the new plans
New Terminal Construction: A significant component of the plan is the construction of a new terminal building designed to accommodate an additional 35 million passengers annually. sanmiguel.com.ph
Terminal Reassignments: To optimize operations, NNIC plans to reassign terminals, ensuring a more balanced distribution of passenger traffic and improved service delivery.
Infrastructure Enhancements: The modernization effort includes upgrading baggage handling systems, implementing updated self check-in and self bag-drop counters, and doubling car parking capacity. Additionally, there are plans to link Terminal 3 to the Metro Manila Subway, facilitating seamless connectivity for travelers.
These developments are part of a broader strategy to transform NAIA into a world-class airport, addressing longstanding congestion issues and improving the overall passenger experience.
For visual representations and detailed plans of the new terminal, official releases and architectural designs can be accessed through SMC's dedicated project page:
Please note that while these plans are officially sanctioned, the actual designs and features may evolve as the project progresses.
Role in decongesting Manila's air traffic
Clark International Airport (CRK), located in Pampanga province, approximately 100 kilometers north of Manila, is integral to the Philippines' strategy to alleviate congestion at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA). As part of a broader multi-airport system, CRK is positioned to serve as a complementary gateway to the Greater Capital Region.
Expansion and modernization
In 2022, CRK unveiled a new passenger terminal, significantly enhancing its capacity and services. This expansion aligns with the government's initiative to distribute air traffic more evenly across the region, thereby reducing the burden on NAIA.
National Infrastructure plans
The development of CRK is part of the Philippines' ambitious infrastructure agenda, aiming to decentralize economic activities from Metro Manila. By leveraging strategic hubs like Clark, the government seeks to promote regional growth and improve connectivity.
Future prospects and challenges
While CRK's enhancements position it as a viable alternative to NAIA, its success depends on several factors, including seamless integration into the national transportation network and effective collaboration between public and private sectors. Ongoing efforts focus on ensuring that CRK can effectively complement other gateways in the Mega Manila area.
