MORE lawmakers joined calls for a congressional inquiry into incidents of bullets suddenly being found in the luggage of innocent passengers a day after Malacañang belittled growing public criticism of corruption at the airport.
Sarangani Rep. Manny Pacquiao on Saturday said he will provide good lawyers to defend overseas Filipino workers and other victims of the “laglag bala [planted bullets]” gang.
Pacquiao, vice chairman of the House committee on overseas Filipino workers’ welfare, also called on Malacañang to take swift and concrete steps to address the scandal because it is already a cause of embarrassment for the country in the international community.
Pacquiao also urged those who have been victimized by the alleged “laglag bala gang” operating at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport to get in touch with his office, adding that he has assigned a team of lawyers to render free legal assistance.
Pacquiao said victims who want to avail of free legal services may contact lawyer Jojo Bondoc at cellular number (0920)921-1162.
“We denounce such kind of extortion activities at the Naia that have victimized travellers, particularly OFWs,” Pacquaio said in a statement.
“The laglag bala scandal is something that this government has taken for granted,” Pacquiao said. “The government has to provide solution to the problem and not just dismiss the issue as an isolated incident.”
Senator Nancy Binay echoed the call of Pacquiao and said that the authorities have failed to stop the syndicate that is believed have been operating the scam since 2005.
“These incidents have been reported to our authorities before but why are these abuses still happening?” said Binay, adding that there have been reports since 2005 that these kind of modus are rampant in three major terminals of NAIA.
Binay was the latest lawmaker to file a resolution calling for a Senate probe to look into the alleged presence of a syndicate engaged in planting bullets in the luggage of unsuspecting airline passengers entering or leaving the country.
Three other senators—Miriam Defensor Santiago, Ralph Recto and Alan Peter Cayetano—earlier called for an investigation on the scheme.
Santiago has filed Senate Resolution No. 1635. She said “the reports highlight how corruption defeats the purpose of law enforcement. Second, they raise a legitimate question on the implementation of the law on the illegal possession of ammunition. Finally, they underline inaction on the part of government.”
Some of the victims, after being caught, claimed that airport security personnel apparently extorted money with a minimum of P30,000 before they can be cleared to travel.
“Once tagged as world’s worst airport, and now because of this bullet planting incidents I’m sure, NAIA would maintained its bad reputation as international airport,” said Binay.
Malacañang earlier downplayed the existence of the syndicate, saying “thousands [of passengers] are using the airport terminals [each day] and only a few were found in possession of bullets. All of these incidents are being investigated based on law.”
“Authorities recognize the human rights as well as legal rights of those [found] carrying [bullets],” said Communications Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr.
But over the past few weeks, number of cases escalated while victims appeared on the media denied all claims of their infractions and insisting that they did not own the planted bullets.
Binay expressed alarm on the increasing cases and cautioned balikbayans, particularly the overseas Filipino workers, to be on alert at the airport when they come home for the holiday.
“Many of our balikbayans will come home to celebrate Christmas with their families. Please warn your friends and families to be mindful and be extra careful with their luggage so as not be victimized. Don’t give these unscrupulous people the opportunity to harass and take advantage of you,” she warned.
Because of the scheme, a number of OFWs and Filipinos staying for good in abroad expressed their fear and are now having second thoughts to come home or visit the country this holiday.
“I think it would be better for me not to push my plan this year. I was planning to visit my aunt and friends this Christmas, but I may just wait until those syndicates are removed,” Leoni Alvarez, a Filipino residing in Brunei, said in her Facebook account.
Meldy Varisto, an a Filipino working in Dubai, also posted “What is government doing in the Philippines? I have heard nothing nice coming from the Philippines. We’re already afraid to go home.”
Personnel of the Office for Transportation Security, an attached agency of the Department of Transportation and Communications, together with the Philippine National Police-Aviation Security Group, are the authorities reportedly responsible for the alleged irregularities happening at the NAIA.
“I am all for the strict implementation of security checks and protocols at our airports. However, given the growing distrust and frustration regarding the situation, I urge our airport authorities to be more discerning in taking action especially when our balikbayans and OFWs are concerned,” the lady senator said.
Binay stressed that the allegations can cause irreversible consequences to those accused of possession of illegal ammunition.
For OFWs, she added, the situation can seriously compromise their employment abroad. Aside from prolonging their stay in the country, the victims are required to defend themselves before the courts, with the possibility of facing jail time if convicted.
“We are proud that we are known for our hospitality. This is why we have to be steadfast in eradicating illicit practices involving our transportation institutions as are airports serve as a major gateway to the country. How we welcome or bid our visitors farewell reflects how we value their rights and opinion of the Philippines,” Binay said