Aviation police clarify new ‘tanim-bala’ issue

The Philippine National Police-Aviation Security Group (PNP-AVSEGROUP) on Tuesday clarified social media claims that a US citizen was detained for 48 hours at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) for possessing a rusted bullet.

The allegation originated from a Monday social media post by an account named “Austin Baker Travels,” which claimed a US-born citizen became “the latest victim of Tanim Bala at NAIA” within the last 48 hours.

The post alleged airport authorities found a single rusted bullet in the individual’s luggage, which the person insisted was planted.

However, PNP-AVSEGROUP clarified late Monday that no such incident occurred at NAIA within the specified timeframe. They did confirm a similar incident involving an American citizen occurred on 10 July at Clark International Airport in Pampanga.

Authorities said the American citizen was arrested after being found with a magazine loaded with 12 rounds of 9mm ammunition, for which he lacked proper documentation.

“The arrested suspect underwent inquest proceedings on Thursday and remains in custody at the Clark International Airport Police Station-Aviation Security Unit 3, with charges filed under RA 10951,” the PNP-AVSEGROUP statement read.

The police unit also stressed it does not engage in or tolerate any form of extortion, misconduct, or illegal activities against passengers.