A 47-year-old human resources manager was arrested at Mactan-Cebu International Airport (MCIA) on March 27 after security personnel found four bullets inside her hand-carry bag.
Bound for Tacloban City, the woman was flagged at around 3:45 p.m. during routine X-ray screening. Authorities from the Office for Transportation Security (OTS) and the Philippine National Police Aviation Security Group (PNP-Avsegroup) said the bullets were discovered in a pouch inside her bag.
According to OTS 7 Chief Lizel Mondejar, the bag was inspected in the presence of the passenger after she gave her consent. “The X-ray operator spotted the items, and we followed standard procedure,” Mondejar said in a SunStar Cebu report.
The passenger, a resident of Lapu-Lapu City, explained that the pouch was typically used for petty cash at her workplace. She said she didn’t realize there were bullets inside and that she had the “last touch” on the bag due to shift transitions.
The woman was charged with violating Republic Act 10591, also known as the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act, and the Commission on Elections (Comelec) gun ban. Charges were filed at the Lapu-Lapu City Hall of Justice, and she was expected to post bail on April 1.
The incident sparked concern among netizens who feared a return of the controversial “tanim-bala” scheme, where bullets were allegedly planted in passengers’ luggage for extortion. The scam became notorious in 2015 at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA).
However, MCIA officials were quick to shut down such suspicions. “Rest assured, our airport is safe. There are no ‘tanim bala’ or ‘laglag bala’ incidents here,” said MCIA Assistant General Manager Glenn Napuli. “Our entrances, exits, and public areas are all fully covered.”
MCIA, recently named Best Airport in the Asia-Pacific by the Airports Council International, has been implementing tight security measures. Terminal operations manager Jomer Nietes emphasized that there are no blind spots and that inspections are done with consent and police coordination.
From January to March this year, airport security intercepted 20 passengers carrying ammunition or talismans. Eighteen of them had valid documents.
Napuli reiterated the importance of personal responsibility when packing. “If someone brings bullets, what should the airport do? Intercept,” he said.