POEA to come to aid of OFWs in ‘tanim bala’

The Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) is offering to assist overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) victimized by the “tanim-bala” racket.

In a post on his Twitter account, POEA chief Hans Leo Cacdac said the agency had drawn up a mechanism for helping OFWs allegedly caught with bullets at the airport.

But he reminded OFWs that Republic Act No. 10591 penalizes the unlawful possession of ammunition, defined as a “complete unfixed unit consisting of a bullet, gunpowder, cartridge case and primer or loaded shell for use in any firearm.”

“Do not carry such items either in checked-in or carry-on luggage. Please secure your bags and suitcases with locks, and make sure they are sealed shut. Please be vigilant and watch over your belongings at all times,” Cacdac said.

He said the POEA stood ready to render assistance to any OFW held for questioning for alleged possession of bullets, with on-the-spot advice, coordination with a government legal service and opening communication lines with immediate family, friends, recruitment agencies or legal counsel.