MANILA, Nov 3 — Travellers have been advised to be extra vigilant when passing through Ninoy Aquino International Airport in Manila.
Staff at the Philippines’ main airport have been accused of dropping bullets into the bags of unsuspecting passengers, as they go through security.
Philippines legislators have called for an investigation into the supposed racket that extorts money from passengers by threatening to charge or arrest them for carrying illegal ammunition, the BBC reported.
“This is becoming an international embarrassment,” said Sherwin Gatchalian, a member of the tourism committee in the House of Representatives, according to the BBC.
Senator Ralph Recto stressed the need for intervention from authorities, adding: “There is no working system that is guarding the guards.”
A Filipino worker and Japanese tourist were the latest passengers to complain. According to the BBC, they were arrested and detained in separate incidents after bullets were found in their luggage.
Other targets have reportedly been taken to court for refusing to pay fines.
Surveillance has been stepped up since the complaints began and an investigation has been launched into the personnel accused of involvement, the BBC added.
