FIRST of all, congratulations to former Philippine Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC) chief Gilberto Cruz on his recent appointment as the new administrator of the Office for Transportation Security (OTS), the agency responsible for security screening and x-ray baggage inspections at the country’s premier airports.
Usec Cruz immediately rolled up his sleeves and got busy by conducting an ocular inspection of the NAIA Terminals on October 27, 2025, ahead of the expected ‘Undas’ exodus, where he also took time to identify critical areas that require immediate action, thus demonstrating his commitment to improving airport security and transparency, in line with President Ferdinand Bongbong Marcos, Jr.’s directive to ensure the best overall travel experience and especially, the protection of Filipinos as they pass through any transportation facility.
Cruz pledged to revolutionize transportation security by aligning OTS operations with global standards and best practices. As an initial step, he said the OTS would prioritize installing more security cameras at screening checkpoints to guarantee continuous monitoring and accountability is solely in charge of security screening, including x-ray baggage inspections at the premier airports.
Along with this, he ensured an aggressive information campaign which will be launched to educate travelers and combat threats like “tanim bala,” fostering a safer, more secure and more comfortable travel experience for all.
In addition, Cruz emphasized the need to strengthen coordination with the Philippine National Police (PNP) to enable faster response times and more effective security interventions.
Before Cruz’s appointment, the OTS had been embroiled in several controversies that tarnished the country’s image abroad.
These included the infamous “tanim-bala” cases and the “dollar-eating” scandal, where OTS personnel at NAIA Terminal 1 were caught on video swallowing stolen $300 from a Chinese passenger’s wallet. The incident, which went viral, led to the removal of those involved—reportedly job order employees—and eventually to the replacement of then-OTS chief Ma. O. Aplasca by retired Chief Superintendent Jose A. Briones Jr.
A few months before the dollar-swallowing incident, five OTS personnel assigned at the NAIA Terminal 2 were suspended after two videos of them taking money from a transiting Thai tourist identified as Kitja Thabthim, went viral on social media.
After seeing the post, another Thai passenger, Saruta Jansila, reposted it and claimed to have had a similar experience, saying that when she passed through the same security check area, her 40,000 yen went missing.
Days later, another screening officer was caught on video stealing a Chinese passenger’s watch at the NAIA. Passenger Sun Yuhong complained that his watch was missing in his bag after he was screened by an OTS personnel who was later nabbed by members of the Philippine National Police Aviation Security Group.
Just last March, no less than President Marcos ordered an investigation following the relief of three OTS personnel said to be involved again, in a ‘tanim-bala’ incident that allegedly took place at the NAIA Terminal 3.
The controversy stemmed from a video posted on social media by a 69-year-old passenger identified as Ruth Adel, who complained that she and her family almost missed their flight to Vietnam after the OTS personnel claimed to have detected an ‘anting-anting’ (amulet) in the form of a bullet shell found inside her luggage, a charge she vehemently denied.
Congratulations are in order since not one such incident was reported during the recently concluded ‘Undas’ season, when the volume of passengers peaked.
A former decorated officer of Manila’s Finest, new OTS chief Cruz now assures that under his leadership, a one-strike policy will be in effect. Yes, there will be due process, investigation and all that, but once the charges are proven, the personnel involved will automatically be removed from the service.
Cruz is known for being a stickler for the laws, and the OTS personnel must know this.
***
DIRECT HIT entertains comments, suggestions or complaints. Please have them emailed to itchiecabayan@yahoo.com or text 0917-3132168.
