The Philippine National Police Aviation Security Group (PNP-Avsegroup) refuted social media claims alleging a resurgence of the “tanim-bala” (bullet-planting) scheme at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA).
Director Brig. Gen. Dionisio Bartolome Jr. stated that a thorough investigation and backtracking of records yielded no verified reports of such incidents.
Bartolome warned that spreading unverified information causes unnecessary public alarm and unfairly undermines the credibility of airport security personnel.
He urged the traveling public to remain calm and verify claims through official sources, stressing that airport safety remains the agency’s highest priority.
The denial follows a March 2025 incident where three security screening officers were terminated for allegedly claiming to find an empty bullet in a passenger’s luggage.
Although two passengers filed complaints, a subsequent inspection discovered no contraband.
The country’s premier airport has historically struggled with theft and extortion scandals. The “tanim-bala” issue first gained international notoriety in 2015 when at least 30 cases were recorded, primarily victimizing overseas Filipino workers and foreign tourists.
