THE Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (Caap) said that there is no “tanim-bala” case at the Davao International Airport (DIA), after a human resource manager was arrested in Mactan-Cebu International Airport (MCIA) in Lapu-Lapu City after four bullets were found inside her hand-carry baggage.
Engr. Rex Obcena, Caap area manager said that in response to tanim-bala incidents elsewhere, their office has strengthened both initial and final security checkpoints at the airport.
Obcena added that they have ensured some of their CCTVs are directed toward the X-ray machines to uphold the integrity of security screening protocols.
“So far, we don’t have these types of incidents involving tanim-bala,” he said in Cebuano during a radio interview on Davao City Disaster Radio (DCDR) on April 10, 2025.
He said it is unfortunate that such incidents have been happening but, he assured that the Department of Transportation (DOTr) is responding to these incidents promptly.
Earlier, a human resources manager was arrested at Mactan-Cebu International Airport (MCIA) in Lapu-Lapu City after four bullets were found in her hand-carry baggage during security screening.
The HR manager was charged with violating Republic Act 10591, or the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act, and the Commission on Elections gun ban under Resolution 11067. Authorities filed the charges before the Lapu-Lapu City Hall of Justice. She was set to post bail on Tuesday.
Meanwhile, MCIA assured the public that the airport is safe and free from schemes such as “laglag bala.” The management said that entrances, exits, and public areas are fully covered by surveillance, making incidents like this “unlikely” to occur.
These incidents have caused concern among the public, with some fearing that the “tanim-bala” or bullet-planting scheme — an extortion racket that surfaced at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) in Manila back in 2015 — may be making a comeback.
Meanwhile, MCIA in a statement on April 3, said that after a thorough review, the can confirm that it was not a “tanim-bala incident.”
The office said that the passenger ‘knowingly or unknowingly brought the bullets with her. The airport said that they have conducted an extensive investigation into the claims and have found no credible evidence that the incident at the airport was a tanim-bala.
“We respectfully urge the public to refrain from making unwarranted assumptions based on unverified claims. We take these matters seriously and remain committed to maintaining the highest standards of security and integrity for all passengers travelling through MCIA,” the airport said. RGP with reports from SunStar Cebu