Palace: NBI Conducting Own Probe into ‘Bullet-planting’ Scam

Malacañang on Friday said the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) is now looking deeper into the proliferation of alleged ‘bullet-planting’ incidents at Manila airport and determine whether there are groups behind the scam.

“The NBI has always proceeded on any investigation with an open mind so all avenues will be considered,” said Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Abigail Valte in a Palace press briefing.

The Department of Justice-formed seven-man NBI task force has been given 15 days within which to submit its findings.

Valte noted that investigations are being conducted as the government also undertakes concrete steps in addressing the alleged ‘bullet-planting’ scam against passengers at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA).

She said these measures include the installation of closed circuit television (CCTV) system at the NAIA and the implementation of no-touch policy among bag inspectors.

“Ke isa po ‘yan, ke dalawa, ke tatlo or point-zero-one percent—kung ano po man ‘yung percentage—it is enough that there is one person that is unfairly accused of a crime that he or she did not commit,” the Palace official added.

The ‘bullet planting’ incidents at the NAIA allegedly involves some airport security personnel putting live ammunition in passengers’ luggage in order to extort money from them. (PNA) RMA/LDV