(Eagle News) — President Rodrigo Duterte has ordered an investigation into a reported “tanim-bala” incident at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport.
In a Facebook post, Special Assistant to the President Bong Go said the “concerned agencies” have been ordered “to address” the incident reported by one Kristine Moran “within 24 hours.”
Moran, who claimed she was a government employee, said in a social media post that the incident took place on July 15, as she and her relatives were headed to Zamboanga at the NAIA Terminal 3.
“Upon check in going to Zamboanga and passing by X-ray I was held by the officer that my bag was to be for opened for inspection. I obliged thinking that they saw the ‘black box’ that I have inside it (a black box is a small equipment in Physical Therapy we use for treating our patients ). I placed my bag and the man with the grey sweater help me and even help me opened my bag. He opened it and got an item my daughter’s jumpsuit saying ‘etu yun’ but there was nothing in it. The other officer said ‘buksan pa natin’ to my shock and dismay I saw a bullet inside the front pocket of my baggage. It was I tiny bullet (9 mm) goodness!!!” she said.
According to Go, “we are expecting (the concerned agencies) to comply or face the consequences.”
“Sinabi na ng Pangulong Duterte noon, na pag nangyari pa ito, ipapakain niya yung bala sa taong gumawa, and I assure everyone, he will really do it. Bukas ang tanggapan namin para tumanggap ng reklamo. Magtulungan po tayo para matigil ang ganitong klaseng panloloko,” he said.
The “tanim-bala” modus in the country’s airport was first reported in a travel website in 2012.
Then-President Benigno Aquino III ordered a probe into such incidents amid public outcry.
The incidents, however, continued.
When Duterte assumed office, he threatened to fire the entire airport police if another such incident took place.