THE PHILIPPINES’ FORUM FOR INTERNATIONAL READERS SINCE 1981 www.expatphilippines.ph
N E W S PA P E R
STILL IN STORES!
November 8-21, 2015 Vol. XXXIV No. 3
This photo titled "Tired and Empty" by lens master Martin San Diego captures a couple of weary commuters inside a jeepney going to Quezon City. From the madding traffic and deteriorated public transport infrastructure, to superior bullet detecting systems at the airport (the same airport, which allowed four Filipino women to leave the country with 2.5 kilos of cocaine, only to be later arrested in Hong Kong), it's not too difficult to feel "Tired and Empty" in this country sometimes. To see more of San Diego's works, visit www.flickr.com/photos/ martinsandiego, www.fullcourtfresh.com and follow him on Instagram @martinsandiego.
Pres. Aquino orders probe on NAIA bullet-planting scheme by VIA BAROMA
After losing the distinction of being ‘The World’s Worst Airport,’ NAIA is being dubbed as the ‘World’s Best Bullet Detection Facility’ by angered netizens.
M
alacanang has vowed to stop the tanim-bala or bullet planting scam, with President Benigno Aquino III ordering an investigation and directing Transportation Secretary Joseph Emilio Abaya to look into complaints bullet-planting incidents at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) terminals. "We're looking at the process,” Abaya said. “We're looking at how it happened. We're looking at the personnel involved. We want to take away the fear from them. We will ensure the safety of each and every passenger who uses our terminals." The President gave the order following the netizens' uproar against the string of alleged
bullet-plating incidents, which has victimized OFWs and foreign tourists, once again putting to shame the Philippines' main getaway. Over the past few weeks, there were several reported incidents with victims finding bullets in their carry-on luggage. The alleged extortion syndicate plants ammunition on unsuspecting passengers, intending to extorting money from them to avoid a jail time and disruptions in their travel plans. Abaya assured the public that the government has heightened measures to stop the alleged scam. "We are definitely conducting an investigation and will not tolerate this tanim-bala operation. We have terminated and have filed
charges against OTS (Operation of the Transportation Security) and MIAA (Manila International Airport Authority) personnel before, and will not hesitate to do it at all," Abaya told Rappler. “DOTC (Department of Transportation and Communications) is studying the structure of the aviation security, setting up additional closed circuit televisions (CCTV), changing handling procedures, and heightening the investigation on the alleged scam. Lawmakers speak out With the continuous reports against the alleged scheme, Senator Francis "Chiz" Escudero called on airport security page 2
Chinese diplomats suspected in PH gun attack flown to China by VIA BAROMA
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wo Chinese diplomats have been flown to China to stand trial for a gun attack in the Philippines that killed two of their colleagues and wounded another, Philippine authorities said. The suspects were identified as Chinese diplomats Li Qing Liang and wife Guo Jing. The victims and the attacker were attending a luncheon birthday celebration in a private room at the Lighthouse Restaurant when the shooting occurred. China's consul general in the central city of Cebu survived after being shot in the neck, but two of his staff members died during the attack at a restaurant on Oct. 21. "They (the suspects) already left last night, direct flight from Cebu to Xiamen," Department of Foreign Affairs spokesman Charles Jose told AFP in a text message. Jose confirmed that the Chinese suspects will be prosecuted in China. page 14 Meanwhile, the motive of