How to avoid being a ‘tanim-bala’ victim

Got a tip? Send it to us at manila@coconuts.co.

OUR COVERAGE OF THIS CRISIS:

– How victims are spotted in airport ‘tanim-bala’ scam
– An OFW sticks a poem for ‘laglag bala’ extortionists on his bag
– Look: This is how paranoid travelers have become at NAIA

The Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines has issued tips to air transport passengers on how to avoid falling prey to those who extort money using the ”tanim-bala” scheme.

CAAP spokesperson Eric Apolonio said passengers are advised to strictly monitor all their luggage and never allow strangers to handle them.

Apolonio said all zippers, pouches, and pockets of their luggage must be closed, locked and sealed so that if the seal gets broken, a passenger will immediately notice that his bag was opened without his permission.

When passing through airport security X-ray and walk-thru metal detectors, CAAP said passengers should never lose sight of their respective luggage. They should immediately retrieve their bags as they exit the X-ray machine.

Apolonio added that passengers should also refrain from accepting any luggage or items from strangers.

CAAP will also require all airport security personnel under the Office for Transportation Security to wear white gloves while on duty for sanitation purposes.

This will also serve as deterrent against unscrupulous individuals who will try to victimize innocent passengers.

“Security is everyone’s concern so we must all be vigilant for the protection of the riding passengers,” Apolonio said.