Philippine government opens investigation into 'bullet smuggling' extortion scam at Manila airport
Airport security staff said to plant bullets in passengers' luggages and then demand bribes
The Philippine government yesterday said it was investigating claims of a major extortion racket at the nation's main airport involving security personnel planting bullets in passengers' luggage.
The allegations, which have dominated local news, prompted the United Nations to warn its staff of the potential dangers and the government to install extra security cameras at Manila's airport terminals.
They also come ahead of the Philippines hosting US President Barack Obama and other world leaders for the annual Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit on November 18-19.
Responding to the media frenzy, Transport Secretary Joseph Emilio Abaya said the scam had been "blown out of pro-portion" but confirmed cases had been filed against security officers over two alleged extortion attempts.
"A single case of any passenger ... charged or victimised by planting [bullets] is unjust ... it merits full government attention," Abaya told reporters.
Abaya did not elaborate on whether the security personnel were facing criminal or administrative punishment, but said President Benigno Aquino intended to fire anyone involved.
Abaya said one of the cases involved a complaint from an American.
