Three personnel of the Office for Transportation Security (OTS) have been dismissed after being implicated in a “tanim bala” scheme at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 3, Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon said on Monday.

The incident involving a 69-year-old passenger, Ruth Adel, has sparked outrage after she accused security personnel of planting a bullet casing in her luggage, an allegation that recalled the “tanim bala” or “bullet planting” scam at Philippine airports years ago.

The latest incident occurred on 6 March when Adel, a senior citizen traveling to Vietnam with her family, went through a security screening at NAIA Terminal 3.

After initially clearing security, Adel and her family were approached by NAIA security officers, who insisted that she undergo a second inspection.

During this second search, a bullet casing was supposedly found in her luggage.

Adel accused the officers of planting the item, which led to a tense confrontation. The incident was filmed and went viral on social media, drawing widespread public attention and outrage.

Dizon warns transpo personnel

Secretary Dizon, in a press briefing on Monday, emphasized the seriousness of the situation, stating that the behavior exhibited by the OTS personnel was unacceptable.

He stressed that once a passenger is cleared by security, they should not be subjected to further harassment or intimidation.

Dizon pointed out that Adel, as an elderly woman, should not have been treated in such a manner.

“You cannot chase someone down and harass them after they’ve already passed screening,” he said.

“Mommy Ruth is elderly, she cannot run. Screening is done for a reason, and you cannot chase someone down and harass them,” he said.

In response to the incident, the Department of Transportation acted swiftly and dismissed the involved personnel.

Dizon made it clear that such misconduct would not be tolerated and that the government is committed to ensuring that all transportation personnel maintain a high standard of professionalism and integrity.

“If you think we are doing this just for show, you are wrong,” Dizon firmly stated. He also assured the public that administrative charges would be filed against the dismissed personnel following the completion of the investigation.

Dizon also took the opportunity to send a stern warning to all personnel in the transportation sector, including those at the ports, railways, and land transportation sectors, as well as the Land Transportation Office and Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board.

“We want to send the message that we will not tolerate this kind of behavior,” Dizon declared. He emphasized that the DoTr is committed to ensuring that public trust is maintained, and that no one in the transportation sector is above the law.

Dizon apologizes to victim

Further, Dizon expressed his commitment to addressing the grievances of those affected by the incident. He said he had personally spoken with Adel and encouraged her to file a formal complaint against the OTS personnel involved.

Dizon also extended his apologies to Adel for the distress caused by the situation. “I personally apologize for the anomalies and inconveniences caused by those security officers,” he said.