MIAA reminds passengers against bringing bullets on travels

MANILA, Philippines —The Manila International Airport Authority on Sunday once again warned the public against bringing bullets in their luggage.

MIAA General Manager Ed Monreal made the warning after recent reported cases of passengers who claimed they accidentally traveled with bullets in their luggage.

“Until now ay may nakukuha pa rin kaming mga bala kahit anong payo namin sa mga pasahero na huwag silang magdala,” Monreal said in a radio interview with dzBB.

“Ipinagbabawal po 'yan,” he added.

On Saturday, reports said a California-based woman was held at Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 1 after six bullets were found in her balikbayan box.

She claimed the bullets were accidentally packed and she had to go through interrogation and documentation before she was allowed to take her flight.

Another passenger was reportedly arrested for carrying a .45-cal gun and magazine in his sling bag. He reportedly claimed he forgot to remove the gun and ammunition from his bag.

The authorities are mulling filing a case against him for carrying a gun with an expired license.

Monreal advised passengers to double-check their baggage to avoid delays and apprehension for carrying contraband items.

'Passengers must justify carrying guns'

The MIAA general manager added that carrying of several firearms must be justified.

“Ang responsibility ng pagpa-pack ng bagahe, dapat ikaw mismo ang gagawa niyan. Dapat accountable ang mga pasahero,” Monreal said.

“ Kung alam nilang bawal (pagdadala ng mga iligal na bagay), 'wag na nilang piliting dalhin,” he was quoted by dzBB. 

In 2015, several cases of alleged tanim-bala, or bullets being planted in people's baggage, were reported. These incidents resulted in delayed trips and caused mild panic among local and international passengers.