After passenger’s arrest due to bullets in baggage, officials assure no ‘laglag-bala’ at MCIA

Local

OFFICIALS of the Mactan-Cebu International Airport (MCIA) have denied allegations of a “laglag-bala” scheme following the interception of a 47-year-old passenger carrying bullets in her hand-carry baggage on March 27.

Julius Neri Jr., general manager of the Mactan-Cebu International Airport Authority (MCIAA), refuted claims that the incident was part of an orchestrated bullet-planting modus, which has previously raised concerns among travelers.

“For the record, there has been no incident of laglag-bala at the Mactan-Cebu International Airport from as far back as I can remember (back until 2016, I believe),” Neri said in a statement issued on April 2.

He emphasized that any bullet found in a passenger’s bag was brought either intentionally or accidentally.

“It was not planted there. Just stating facts, no matter what social media says,” he added.

Passenger apprehended

According to the Office for Transportation Security (OTS), security personnel discovered four bullets inside a pouch within the passenger’s bag during a routine X-ray scan.

A manual inspection, conducted in the presence of the Philippine National Police Aviation Security Unit, confirmed the presence of the ammunition.

The woman, an HR manager from Lapu-Lapu City, was scheduled to board a flight to Tacloban City.

Authorities said she failed to present documentation justifying her possession of the bullets, leading to her immediate arrest for violating Republic Act 10591, the Comprehensive Law on Firearms and Ammunition, as well as the Commission on Elections gun ban.

She was detained at the MCIA Police Station for booking and the filing of criminal charges. Inquest proceedings were conducted on March 28, and she was expected to post bail on March 31.

Social media speculation

The incident gained traction online after a report from a local TV outlet mentioned that the pouch containing the bullets also held petty cash and a company voucher.

The report suggested the item may have changed hands before the HR manager came into possession of it, fueling speculation of a “tanim-bala” scheme.

Public concern was further amplified due to a recent case at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA), where three employees were dismissed for allegedly attempting to extort a female passenger in a suspected bullet-planting attempt.

Despite the viral discussions, Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon assured the public that the controversial scam has not resurfaced.

He stressed that recent incidents were isolated cases and that the Department of Transportation (DOTr) remains vigilant in preventing airport-related scams and extortion attempts.

Authorities Urge Caution

MCIA Police Chief Major Ricky Calong reminded passengers to carefully inspect their luggage, especially if it was given to them by someone else.

He reiterated the importance of avoiding bullets or ammunition in baggage, as some individuals keep them as lucky charms.

MCIA, the country’s second busiest airport after NAIA, continues to enforce stringent security measures to ensure passenger safety while addressing concerns raised by the public.(MyTVCebu)