NAIA Security Officers Fired Over Alleged Tanim-Bala Scam
TANIM-BALA SCAM – Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon ordered the dismissal of three airport security personnel allegedly involved in a “tanim-bala” scheme at NAIA Terminal 3 on March 6, 2025.
Security officers stopped Ruth and Cai Abel before their flight to Vietnam, claiming a bullet was inside their luggage. After more than five minutes of inspection, no such item was found. Adel shared the incident on Facebook, stating that as they were about to board, security personnel approached them and alleged they had a prohibited item. The officers insisted on taking them to a separate room for further inspection, but they refused, fearing unnecessary delays.
As the officers searched their belongings, they failed to locate the supposed bullet. A video posted by Adel showed that the bag in question contained an envelope with their travel money, raising concerns about possible tampering. She described the distressing experience, recounting how the officers delayed them under the pretense of calling a supervisor. With only six minutes left before their flight, they were still forced to wait. When the supervisor arrived, inconsistencies in their claims became more apparent—at first, the alleged item was in a suitcase, then suddenly in a handbag. This discrepancy, along with suspicious behavior such as covering their name tags, raised further doubts about their actions.
Adel expressed frustration over the ordeal, calling out the officers’ lack of accountability. She confirmed that the Department of Transportation (DOTr) would assist them in filing a case against the security personnel. Authorities have vowed to take action, ensuring accountability and preventing similar incidents in the future.
Meanwhile, the “Tanim-Bala” scam, which first gained notoriety in 2015, involved airport security personnel allegedly planting bullets in passengers’ luggage to extort money. Victims, often overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) and tourists, were accused of carrying live ammunition, an illegal act in the Philippines. Some were forced to pay bribes to avoid arrest or missing their flights.
The scheme sparked public outrage and international concern, leading to investigations, stricter airport security measures, and reforms to prevent further abuse.
Related Post: Security Officer at NAIA Caught Swallowing ‘Stolen Money’ from Passenger