UN Issue Warnings to Staff against bullet planting scam at NAIA Manila Airport

The United Nations Department of Safety and Security (UNDSS) released a memo to staff members warning them of the "tanim-bala" (bullet-planting scam) scheme that are allegedly carried out by Aiport Security to extort money from passengers at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA).

They also advised their staff members to secure their bags by wrapping them in plastic.

"Staff members are advised to keep your luggage with you, lock your luggage, and consider wrapping your luggage in plastic as an extra security measure," the UNDSS said in a statement Tuesday.

The tanim-bala (bullet planting) scam, has already victimized hundred of ordinary travelers, overseas Filipino workers (OFW) as well as foreigners. The passenger if caught will then be forced to choose between facing an investigation or paying a bribe.

The advisory was first reported by Floyd Whaley, a senior correspondent of The New York Times, in his Twitter account.

“United Nations advises staff using Manila airport to ‘keep your luggage with you, lock your luggage, and consider wrapping your luggage,’” Whaley said in his tweet.

Whaley eventually posted a copy of the internal memo from the UN Department of Safety and Security (undss.radioroom@undp.org) with the subject “SECURITY ADVISORY: Naia-Bullets in luggage.”

United Nations advises staff using Manila airport to "keep your luggage with you, lock your luggage, and consider wrapping your luggage".

— Floyd Whaley (@FloydWhaley) November 3, 2015