MANILA – The Department of Transportation (DOTr) sacked three screening personnel involved in a recent incident of a woman they alleged to be carrying a bullet at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA).
According to Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon, the three officials were removed from their respective positions for “abusive” behavior.
“We are announcing the termination of all people in the OTS (Office for Transportation Security) involved in the incident. Proper administrative charges will be filed after the investigation,” Dizon said.
“Being in the government does not give you the license to abuse people. The President will not tolerate this sort of behavior,” he added.
A social media post by 69-year-old passenger Ruth Adel gained significant attention over the weekend, recounting her encounter with airport security staff on March 6 at NAIA Terminal 3.
Adel recalled that she was proceeding to the boarding gate when security personnel approached her to inform her that a bullet had been discovered in her bag.
The staff exhibited inconsistent statements, laughed, and even attempted to conceal their name tags upon realizing they were being recorded.
In response, Dizon urged the heads of the OTS and the Manila International Airport Authority to reassess screening procedures and protocols.
Dizon also urged the public to promptly report such occurrences to the airport hotline.
“The incident happened on March 6, yet I would not be aware of it if it wasn’t reported. Don’t hesitate to report,” Dizon said.
Meanwhile, Malacañang assured the public that the government won’t allow the return of the “tanim-bala” scheme at NAIA.
According to Presidential Communications Office’s Undersecretary Claire Castro, President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. wants a probe into the reported “tanim-bala” scheme./PN
