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Transport chief says 'tanim-bala' issue damaging gov't reputation

Philippines | National

Transport chief says 'tanim-bala' issue damaging gov't reputation

By Ariel Fernandez

Department of Transportation (DOTr) Sec. Vince Dizon said Friday, March 28, that the issue on "tanim-bala" at the country's airports has been damaging the country's reputation.

In a press conference at the Office of Transportation Security (OTS), Dizon said airport authorities have recorded an increase in the number of arrests related to the confiscation of banned items from passengers, hence, the stricter implementation of airport security measures.

"Alam natin na matagal na itong isyu ng tanim-bala. Inaamin ko masyado na talagang nakakasira sa gobyerno ang isyung ito," he said.

Recently, an elderly passenger at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) accused airport officials of planting an ammunition into her luggage.

But Dizon said there were cases where passengers were caught with prohibited items while undergoing inspection.

Among them were an armalite ammunition found in the bag of a passenger at NAIA Terminal 3 last March 24, four bullets discovered from the bag of a male passenger who came from a firing session, and another armalite bullet spotted inside a can of bagoong brought by a female senior citizen at the Clark International Airport.

Dizon reminded airport passengers not to bring prohibited items such as guns, bullets, and charms among others.

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