A 65-year-old woman, bound for Singapore, was arrested when a 9mm live bullet was discovered in her shoulder bag at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 1 on Sunday morning.
The angry lola said “you people don’t just plant, you’re magicians, too”.
The incident came just hours after Malacañang Palace ordered an investigation into the alleged scam overtaking the Philippines airports.
65-year-old Nimfa Fontamillas of Cavite and her daughter, Menchie Tan were set to board a Tiger Air flight to Singapore on Sunday when they were held for questioning at 5:34 a.m. at the final check point in Terminal 1.
At the final security checkpoint, Fontamillas was asked by X-ray screener Ronillo Salanga, to view the X-ray monitor where an image of the bullet appeared.
Fontamillas reportedly become emotional as she threw her bag away from the inspection table and allegedly told the screener, “you are not just a planter but a magician too,” an security official source said.
Her daughter then said their lawyer, a certain Atty. Clint Estandarte, will represent them in court proceedings.
Tan noted that the bag was left untouched, and no one was allowed to touch it or examine it until her lawyer arrived.
Around 11.15am, lawyer Estandarte arrived at the scene and inspected the bag in the presence of airport security officials and PNP, as well as Mrs. Fontamillas and her daughter Menchie.
Estrandarte declared the hand bag had in fact been sealed – once opened inside he discovered the live 9mm bullet.
The lawyer in the case said he would set bail after Mrs. Fonamillas will be formally charged at the Pasay City’s Prosecutor’s Office for possession of the illegal ammunition.
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