The New NAIA Infra Corp. (NNIC) has issued a statement this Monday, March 10, stating that it is providing immediate support and coordination to the Department of Transportation (DOTr) to address an alleged "tanim-bala" incident inside the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA).
The DOTr, during a press conference on Monday, also dismissed three employees of the Office for Transportation Security (OTS) due to their alleged participation in the said incident at NAIA Terminal 3.
Reports said that a female sexagenarian passenger has raised concerns through social media about a resurgence of the notorious "bullet-planting" scam.
Ruth Adel, 69, alleged that she experienced harassment and intimidation from OTS security personnel on March 6, 2025, just before her flight to Vietnam.
She shared her experience on social media, detailing how she was unexpectedly stopped by OTS security personnel as she hurried to make her flight.
Adel claimed that an OTS security officer alleged that they found an "anting-anting" (amulet) in her bag, which they later claimed was a bullet casing.
"They kept insisting I had a bullet casing, even though I had nothing like that in my bag," Adel said in a statement through social media.
She further described the situations as "unbelievably stressful," adding that she felt humiliated and violated.
The delay caused by the incident nearly led to her missing her flight.
According to Adel, the OTS personnel said the bullet casing was discovered in her suitcase, but they later said it was found in her handbag.
DOTr Secretary Vince Dizon said thorough investigations will be carried out and appropriate administrative charges will be filed once the investigation is complete. The termination of the three employees was ordered on Monday.
NNIC on the other hand, said to prevent and strengthen public confidence, it is working with OTS to reinforce security monitoring, proper screening procedures, and transparency in security operations.
"Our priority is to maintain an airport environment that is safe and efficient for all travelers," NNIC said.
Photo Courtesy: Ruth Adel (Facebook)
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