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The issue is getting out of hand and this explanation won’t help much.
Supt. Jeanne Panisan — spokesperson for the the Aviation Security Group (Avsegroup) of the Philippine National Police (PNP) — maintained that it is “basically impossible for any person to plant bullets in the bags of the airline passengers,” reports Julliane Love de Jesus on Inquirer.net.
At a press briefing at Camp Crame on Mon, Nov 2, Panisan stated, “Base po sa investigation na ginagawa natin, wala po talagang posibilidad na pwedeng magtanim ng bala sa mga bagahe ng pasahero natin (Our investigation shows that there’s no possibility for anyone to plant bullets in the baggage of passengers).”
She explained, “Ang pwede lang humawak ng bag ay ‘yung pasahero unless nagrequest siya ng porter ng babayaran niya para dalhin ang bag niya… Pano pa natin masasabi na matataniman (The only one who can touch a passenger’s pag is the passenger, unless a porter was paid to carry it. So how can we say bullets could be planted inside the bag)?”
The report noted: “The ‘laglag bala’ racket that had triggered public outrage and drawn the attention of international media reportedly involves airport staff inserting bullets into the bags of passengers and demanding money from them for the dropping of illegal possession of ammunition charges.”
Panisan likewise pointed out that some Pinoys carry bullets, which they believe to be “anting-anting” or amulets. “Especially if you are an overseas Filipino worker, there’s uncertainty in your life. You will draw strength from the amulet,” she said.
The report further indicated that “Panisan cleared policemen who are part of the airport’s security force from being involved in the racket, if there were any, as they are not in charge of the security screening.” She said, “We have no role in the baggage screening and X-ray. Our assistance is only needed whenever there are violations–if a passenger has a bullet, firearm or grenade in his or her luggage.”
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