NBI files criminal raps vs. 2 OTS, 4 PNP personnel in ‘talaba’ scam at NAIA

Ninoy Aquino International Airport (Wikipedia photo)

MANILA – The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) Task Force Talaba (Tanim-Laglag Bala) on Thursday filed before the Department of Justice (DOJ) criminal complaints against two employees of the Office of Transportation Security (OTS) and four personnel of the Philippine National Police Aviation Security Group (PNP-Avsegroup).

In a press conference, DOJ Undersecretary and Spokesman Emmanuel L. Caparas identified the respondents as Maria Elma Cena and Marvin Garcia, both of the OTS at NAIA; SPO2 Rolando A.

Clarin, Chief Insp. Adriano D. Junio, SPO4 Ramon A. Bernardo and SPO2 Romy U. Navarro, all of the PNP Avsegroup.

Likewise, the complainants are Eloisa S.

Zoleta and Lane M. White, both of Barangay Melville, Paranaque City.

The two OTS respondents were charged for violation of Article V, Section 38 (Liability for Planting Evidence) of Republic Act No. 10591, or the “Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act.

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The four PNP Avsegroup respondents were charged for violation of Article 293 (Robbery/Extortion) of the Revised Penal Code (RPC), as amended, RA No. 7438, or “An Act Defining Certain Rights of Person Arrested, Detained or Under Custodial Investigation and Duties of the Arresting, Detaining and Investigating Officers,” and RA No. 3019, or the “Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act.”

The case stemmed from the complaint of Zoleta and White that they were victimized by “tanim-bala” (bullet-planting) at the NAIA in Pasay City allegedly committed by the six respondents.

The complaints will undergo a preliminary investigation and the six respondents will be given the opportunity to give their side of the story.