DIZON
DOTr chief praised for quick action
SAYING that it is a welcome development, Senator Grace Poe lauded the swift action taken by Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon on an airport incident.
She emphasized that innocent travelers should not endure the trauma and trouble caused by rogue airport personnel who are supposed to provide security, not imperil their safety. Poe called on concerned authorities to ensure that this defanged scheme does not make a comeback to pester passengers anew.
According to reports, the incident reportedly occurred on March 6, when 69-year-old Ruth Adel was preparing to board a flight to Vietnam with her family.
Reports stated that security personnel at NAIA Terminal 3 approached her, alleging that an X-ray scan had detected a bullet casing, referred to as an “anting-anting” or amulet, in her luggage.
Adel reportedly denied possessing any such item and requested an immediate inspection of her bag.
Despite her insistence, security officers allegedly attempted to escort her away for further questioning.
Adel and her family reportedly refused, concerned about missing their flight.
Subsequent inspection of her bag, as reported, yielded no prohibited items.
Adel described the experience as deeply unsettling, noting in reports that she continues to have nightmares about the ordeal.
In response to the incident, Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon reportedly announced the immediate termination of three personnel from the Office for Transportation Security (OTS) implicated in the alleged scheme.
Dizon was quoted in reports as saying that the DOTr will not tolerate any form of abuse by its personnel and assured that appropriate investigations and administrative charges would follow .
According to reports, the “tanim-bala” modus gained notoriety in 2015, with allegations that airport security personnel were planting bullets in passengers’ luggage to extort money.
The scheme primarily targeted overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) and foreign tourists, leading to widespread public outrage and investigations by authorities .
The recurrence of this scheme, as reported, raises significant concerns about airport security protocols and the potential exploitation of passengers. Senator Poe’s call to action underscores the need for stringent measures to prevent such incidents and protect travelers from undue harassment.
