HR Manager Arrested After Bullets Found in Bag
TANIM-BALA? – A 47-year-old female passenger was found carrying four bullets in her hand-carry baggage at Mactan-Cebu International Airport (MCIA) in Lapu-Lapu City.
According to a report from GMA Regional TV News, security screening personnel detected suspicious objects resembling bullets while scanning her bag through an X-ray on March 27. The woman, a resident of Lapu-Lapu City and an HR manager by profession, was on her way to Tacloban, Leyte.
Upon discovery, personnel from the Office of Transportation Security, along with members of the Philippine National Police (PNP) Aviation Security Unit, conducted a thorough inspection. They found the bullets inside a pouch within her bag.
When questioned, the passenger could not explain why the ammunition was in her possession. As a result, she was arrested for violating Republic Act 10591, the Comprehensive Law on Firearms and Ammunition, as well as the Commission on Elections (Comelec) gun ban.
She underwent inquest proceedings on March 28, 2025, and was later granted bail on March 31. However, authorities have yet to determine whether she intentionally carried the bullets or was a victim of “Tanim-Bala,” a known scam in which airport personnel allegedly plant bullets in passengers’ luggage to extort money.
This incident comes amid renewed discussions about the possible return of “Tanim-Bala” schemes at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA).
Meanwhile, the “Tanim-Bala” scam, which gained notoriety in 2015, allegedly involved airport security personnel planting bullets in passengers’ bags to demand money. Many victims, including overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) and tourists, were falsely accused of carrying live ammunition, a serious offense in the Philippines. Some had no choice but to pay bribes to avoid arrest or missing their flights. The issue sparked widespread public outrage and international concern, leading to investigations, stricter security measures, and reforms to prevent further incidents.