Malacañang laments international media attention on 'laglag-bala'
MANILA, Philippines - Malacañang lamented on Friday the effect of the alleged "laglag-bala" scam to the country's image after the controversy started gaining international media attention.
Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Abigail Valte said she has seen the reports of some foreign media outfits on the extortion scheme allegedly perpetrated by Filipino airport authorities who supposedly plant live ammunition in the luggage of passengers.
"Unfortunately, these are unintended consequences of the attention that this has generated," Valte said in a press briefing.
Valte hoped that the "laglag-bala" scam will not undo the administration's achievements in the tourism sector.
"We are hoping that the effects will not be lasting, will not have a long-term effect on what our country is trying to do to promote the Philippines as a tourist destination," she said.
The "laglag-bala" racket has drawn the attention of international media agencies including Time, CNN and BBC.
On Wednesday and Thursday, Fox News television commentator and anchor Greta Van Susteren called out the controversy and the Philippine government in her segment "Off the Record."
"This scam is all part of a plot to extort money out of the international traveler," Susteren said.
She criticized airport authorities at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport for targeting foreigners visiting the Philippines.
"I know what you're thinking: what is wrong with some people? My answer? I just don't know," she said.
"The Philippine government knows all about the scam and has not stopped it," Susteren also claimed.
Apart from international news outfits, a Japanese television show also picked up the "laglag-bala" scam.
In one episode, the show satirically reenacted how Filipino airport personnel supposedly plant bullets in the luggage of passengers.
Pati Japan nabahala sa Tanim BalaNakakahiya na talaga ang Airport sa Pilipinas ! Balita na tayo sa buong mundo.Ginawan pa ng segment sa TV show sa Japan kung paano ginagawa ang modus ng tanim bala sa NAIA para maka pambiktima.TV Host - Ipapasok sa X-ray machine ang bagahe mo at biglang makikitaan ng bala.Bubuksan nila ang bagahe mo tapos.check nila.May biglang makikitang bala !!! Ngayon kung ayaw mo gawan nila ng report at ikaw ay ma aresto.mananahimik sila .Pero kailangan mag bayad ka nalang ng pera.para hindi ka makulong.Video Credit to -Shinjoy Noisap MartinezLike & Share Ikwento Mo Kay Delio for more videos
Posted by Ikwento Mo Kay Delio on Wednesday, November 4, 2015
A video of the episode was posted on the "Ikwento Mo Kay Delio" Facebook page on Wednesday.
The video has gained more than 550,000 views and over 30,000 shares.
Amid all the international media attention on the "laglag-bala" scam, Malacañang assured that the government has taken steps to address the problem. - Louis Bacani
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