NBI set to pick up footage of ‘tanim-bala’

VICENTE Guerzon Jr., senior assistant general manager at the Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA), said a copy of the footage showing the inspection of the bag of a Christian missionary who claimed to have been a victim of the “tanim-bala” (bullet-planting) scam “[has been] ready for pick up” since Oct. 13.

“(The National Bureau of Investigation) was informed about it. It is now being claimed by NBI today,” Guerzon said in a text message. The footage shows airport authorities inspecting Lane Michael White’s bag on suspicion that it contained a bullet last September.

READ: Naia cops asked US missionary to pay P30K

The MIAA announced yesterday that it would enter into a negotiated procurement for its closed-circuit television (CCTV) project worth P486 million, after two “failed biddings” in August 2014 and February with bidders who were “unable to meet, among others, technical requirements” for the project.

Guerzon refused to identify the bidders saying it was “inappropriate” to do so.

He said, however, that the technical requirements include the right specifications for the camera, stand, connectivity and monitors.

The P486-million project involves the installation of 719 cameras for Terminals 1, 2 and 4, the airport perimeter and roads leading to those terminals.

Guerzon said Terminal 3 was not included as there is an existing contract for the supply of CCTVs there.

According to the MIAA, under the procurement law or Republic Act No. 9184, a negotiated mode of procurement “may take place after two failed biddings of the standard process.”

“The three bidders who participated in the latest bidding will be invited to participate in the negotiation,” the MIAA said.

Asked if anyone else apart from the three could participate, Guerzon said this would have to be decided upon by the bids and awards committee.

The 719 CCTVs will complement the 382 CCTVs already installed in the airport.

The MIAA said the existing 382 CCTVs have been fully paid for, contrary to previous reports.

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