Alleged ‘laglag-bala’ scam resurfaces at NAIA Terminal 3

A senior citizen, Mrs. Ruth Adel, shared a distressing account on social media about being accused of carrying a bullet casing in her luggage at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 3 on 6 March 2025. The passenger, who was on her way to Vietnam, described the encounter as humiliating and traumatic.

According to her account, she and her child had rushed to their boarding gate due to long immigration queues. Just as their flight was about to board, a female security officer approached her, claiming that an "amulet" — later specified as a shell casing — was found in her suitcase. The officer allegedly laughed while making the claim, raising immediate suspicion.

When the passenger insisted that her luggage be checked at the gate to avoid missing her flight, security personnel refused, demanding that she follow them to another area. With only minutes left before departure, she and her child stood their ground, leading to delays as the officers called a supervisor. The inconsistencies in their statements, along with an X-ray image that did not match her belongings, further deepened her doubts.

The situation escalated when the passenger began recording the interaction. Security officers allegedly attempted to prevent her from filming, but after realizing they were being documented, they walked away without an apology or further explanation. The incident left the 69-year-old traveler shaken, reportedly causing a spike in her blood pressure and lingering distress.

This latest report has sparked concerns that the notorious laglag-bala (bullet-planting) scam, which previously plagued Philippine airports, may still be happening. The passenger is calling for accountability to prevent other travelers from experiencing similar ordeals.

Despite the traumatic experience, she expressed gratitude to the Cebu Pacific staff, who ensured her well-being throughout the flight.

As of now, the OTS and New NAIA Infra Corp. (NNIC) have yet to issue a statement regarding the incident.

Meanwhile, Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) General Manager Eric Jose Ines has ordered a thorough investigation, assuring the public that irregularities at NAIA will not be tolerated, especially when it comes to passenger security and convenience.

Recently, NNIC partnered with Collins Aerospace, a global leader in airport technology, to modernize NAIA and enhance the overall passenger experience. However, incidents like this raise concerns about whether sufficient measures are in place to prevent security-related extortion schemes at the country’s busiest airport.