NBI Says ‘Laglag-bala’ Syndicate Does Exist, Preys On Elderly And OFWs
The NBI says ‘laglag-bala’ syndicate does exist, preys on elderly and OFWs. According to a National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) source, the so-called 'laglag-bala' syndicate allegedly operating inside the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) does exist and is made up of employees from various departments.
He told the Philippine Daily Inquirer, citing the bureau’s initial findings:
“„The syndicate is composed of various airport workers such as immigration personnel, airport police X-ray scanners, baggage inspectors, and porters.
- To Philippine Daily Inquirer
The source went on to say that the racket has been going on for a long time and is very well-organized.
“Each unit has an assigned task and roles, its members are recruited by long-time workers in the four airport terminals.”
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According to the source, the syndicate frequently targets OFWs and senior citizens because they are easier to intimidate and harass.
Airport employees affected by 'tanim bala' issue
“The usual targets are OFWs who are easily duped and the elderly who easily get nervous,” he said. “The group [has] a profile of their victims who they see as gullible and could easily be bullied.”
Another Tactic Is To Question The Documents Of Passengers
Aside from planting bullets, the syndicate, according to the source, would purposefully delay passengers by falsely accusing them of carrying fake papers. He said:
“„They will ask for documents, such as letters of invitation, just to delay the passenger and impress on the unsuspecting victim that she or he had been profiled. Most of the victims were seafarers who usually carry money and almost always have various destinations. They will ask for a visa despite the explanation of some seafarers that their visa will be issued by their employer at the next destination.
- NBI
To avoid being delayed, the victim would bribe an airport official in order to board his flight.
“These airport workers will accept anything from the harassed passengers who sometimes were even grateful to be allowed to leave,” he said.
