Bullets generally banned in world’s busiest airports, planes

Manila's Ninoy Aquino International Airport may be the only airport embroiled in a controversy over live bullets allegedly planted in passengers' luggage for purposes of extortion but live ammunition is a generally banned item in airports and planes.

Data gathered by GMA News Research showed that major cities in such countries as the US, the United Kingdom, France, the United Arab Emirates, China and Japan all prohibit the carriage of bullets in varying degrees.

In the USA, ammunition is prohibited in carry-on baggage but can be transported with some restrictions through checked baggage. Violators may face criminal prosecution and penalties up to $11,000.

On the other hand, the Haneda Airport in Tokyo Japan allows ammunition under 5kg gross weight per person in checked baggage. Still, these need to be declared to airline management for approval.

Heathrow Airport in London and the Charles de Gaulle Airport in Paris prohibit passengers from bringing in bullets both as carry-on luggage and as checked-in baggage.

The same holds true in China.

Bullets are among the items that one may not bring into the Dubai airport.

Six to 12 years

Public Attorney's Office (PAO) Chief Persida Acosta on Wednesday told GMA News Online that in the Philippines, carrying live ammunition was prohibited anywhere in the country and violators can be jailed from six to 12 years.

“Anywhere bawal talaga ang pagdadala ng bala hindi lang sa NAIA. Allowed ka lang pag may permit ka to carry o kaya naman ay uniformed services ka,” Acosta told GMA News Online.

She added there were no fines for the violation.

However, Acosta said those found with spent bullets cannot be charged with a case involving live ammunition.

“Kung ginagamit na anting-anting ng ating mga kababayan walang kaso yan kung hindi live [ang bala]. Catridge na lang yan wala nang pulbura,” she said.

Still, she said those passengers found with live ammunition in their luggage should go through due process and undergo a thorough investigation before being slapped with an illegal possession of ammunition case.

“Ang baggage kasi madami nakakahipo gaya ng mga porter kaya hindi basta-basta dapat kasuhan ng possession. Pero kung sa body nakuha ['yung bala] ibang usapan yan,” she said.

Call the PAO

Acosta urged those who have fallen victim to the alleged 'laglag bala' modus at the NAIA to call their office or preferred legal counsel so they can file a case against the perpetrators.

“Tumawag siya sa PAO or sa lawyer niya. Magkaso po sila ng planting of evidence,” Acosta told GMA News Online.

“Kung alam nilang hindi sa kanila ['yung bala], ask for a lawyer and remain silent,” she said citing Republic Act 10591 or the Comprehensive Law on Firearms and Ammunition.

Acosta also advised the usual victims of the 'laglag bala' modus – airport passengers and overseas Filipino workers – to be extra vigilant to avoid being victimized.

“I-plastic niyo ang luggage niyo at huwag gumamit ng bag na nakabukas ang design. Bumiyahe din na may buddy para may lookout sa gamit,” she said.

Reclusion perpetua

Earlier, Acosta warned individuals behind the so-called "laglag-bala" extortion scheme that they may be sentenced to reclusion perpetua if found guilty.

“Any incriminatory act of planting/inserting etc. [of] evidence can be criminally charged of 'incriminatory machinations' under Article 363 of the Revised Penal Code (arresto mayor) and Section 38 of the Comprehensive Firearms Act R.A. No. 10591,” said Acosta.

The 'laglag bala' modus recently made headlines after complaints of various passengers who were allegedly victimized made the rounds on social media.

The National Bureau of Investigaiton for its part already formed a seven-man team to investigate the cause of the alleged extortion scheme. -NB, GMA News