Mactan-Cebu airport security gets thumbs up
IN response to renewed public concerns over a possible tanim-bala incident, Senator Raffy Tulfo, chairperson of the Senate Committee on Public Services, conducted a surprise inspection at the Mactan-Cebu International Airport (MCIA) to assess the airport’s security procedures and validate the details surrounding the March 27 incident involving a female passenger.
The case involved a 47-year-old woman who was reportedly intercepted during security screening after X-ray machines detected four bullets in her carry-on luggage. Given the country’s fraught history with tanim-bala cases — particularly those that stirred outrage at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) in the 2010s — the incident immediately raised red flags.
Senator Tulfo met directly with MCIA General Manager and CEO Julius Neri Jr. to get firsthand clarification. According to Tulfo, Neri dismissed the claim that the bullets were planted and asserted that proper protocol was followed throughout.
“Sabi ni GM Neri, hindi raw itinanggi ng babae na pagmamay-ari niya ang bala at wala siyang inakusahang OTS personnel na nangotong,” Tulfo relayed.
Neri further assured Tulfo that the incident was captured on CCTV, which showed no signs of irregularity.
Tulfo quoted the official explanation: “May CCTV sa X-ray area, at nung ni-review nila ang footage, walang nakitang iregularidad.”
He also emphasized the presence of mandatory procedures — such as video-recorded inspections witnessed by both Office for Transportation Security (OTS) personnel and officers from the Philippine National Police Aviation Security Unit (PNP AVSEU).
To see for himself, Senator Tulfo observed a live demonstration of the X-ray process.
A member of Tulfo’s Senate staff placed three bullets into their bag, which was then scanned to simulate the incident.
Tulfo noted how clearly the bullets showed up on the X-ray screen and how the flagged luggage was automatically pulled from the conveyor for further inspection.
He narrated the exact process that followed: “Bago pa man buksan ang bag, tinatawag agad ng OTS ang miyembro ng PNP AVSEU para masaksihan ang pagbubukas, at kinukuhanan ito ng video — kasama ang pahintulot ng pasahero.”
Tulfo also examined the broader surveillance infrastructure of the airport, noting the extensive placement of CCTV cameras around the scanning and inspection areas. According to him, these systems not only protect travelers but also shield airport personnel from false accusations.
His tour included a visit to the sorting area for checked-in baggage, where Terminal Operations Head Jemar Nietes explained the multi-layered security checks.
if prohibited items are detected, the bags are forwarded to OTS officers for physical inspection in the presence of their owners.
Tulfo also checked on MCIA’s taxi bays and was pleased to see standard rates clearly posted and slips issued to passengers with details of the taxi operator, driver, and license plate — a move he described as promoting accountability and passenger safety.
“Maganda ang sistema dito sa MCIA — dapat gayahin sa NAIA,” he said, referring to Manila’s main airport which has previously been marred by tanim-bala controversies,” he said.
While the tanim-bala fear at MCIA now appears to have been a false alarm — with the passenger not denying possession of the bullets or accusing anyone of wrongdoing — Tulfo’s swift action reinforced his reputation as a staunch defender of ordinary Filipinos against abusive or negligent practices.
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