Dubai: A resurfacing of the notorious 'tanim-bala' (bullet planting) scheme at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) has sparked outrage after a passenger accused security personnel of attempting to victimize her.

In a viral social media post, 69-year-old passenger Ruth Adel shared her ordeal, stating that she and her family almost missed their flight to Vietnam after airport security claimed to have detected an 'anting-anting' (amulet) in the form of a bullet casing inside her luggage. The alleged incident took place on March 6 at NAIA Terminal 3.

According to Adel, she was already at the boarding gate when personnel from the Department of Transportation’s Office of Transportation Security approached her, claiming that an X-ray scan had detected a bullet shell in her baggage. When she asked about the so-called amulet, a security officer, laughing, told her that the scanner had indeed identified a bullet casing inside her luggage.

Following Adel’s complaint, the Department of Transportation’s Office of Transport Security (DOTr-OTS) terminated three employees allegedly involved in the incident.

“Appropriate investigations will be conducted, and proper administrative charges will be filed. But for now, we are terminating them today,” said DOTr Secretary Jaime Bautista. He added that he had instructed OTS administrator General Arthur Velasco Bisnar to issue the dismissal orders immediately.

“We will not stand for any abuse. Any abuse will be dealt with the same swift action as mandated by the President,” Bautista added.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has ordered a thorough investigation into the alleged tanim-bala case at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA), Malacanang said on Monday.

“Yes, this should not happen again. The President has ordered an immediate investigation, and if proven true, those responsible could face dismissal from their positions,” Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Undersecretary Claire Castro stated in a press briefing.

Castro assured the public that the administration remains committed to protecting travelers from extortion and abuse. “Whether tourists or our fellow Filipinos fall victim to this, the President will not tolerate such acts. Those accountable must be held responsible after a thorough investigation,” she added.

The 'tanim-bala' scheme, wherein bullets are allegedly planted in passengers’ luggage as a means of extortion, has been a long-standing issue at NAIA. The controversy first gained widespread attention in 2015, prompting international criticism and calls for reforms within airport security agencies.

With renewed fears over its resurgence, the government is under pressure to implement stricter oversight and reforms to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future.

For now, the sacking of the three security personnel marks a decisive response from authorities, but travelers remain wary, calling for long-term solutions to ensure their safety and peace of mind at the country’s primary gateway.