MANILA, Philippines (The Adobo Chronicles) – Supermarkets and retailers in the Philippines are reporting a severe shortage of plastic wrap as a result of recent reports that  incoming and outgoing airline passengers at Manila’s Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) are being held and charged for alleged bullets found in their luggage.

Known as laglag bala (bullet drop) or tanim bala (planted bullet), the airport scheme involves passengers being questioned and detained by airport security for having bullets in their luggage.  It is widely believed that the bullets are “planted” by airport personnel as a way to extort money from unsuspecting passengers.

As a result, many passengers are taking the precaution of securing their luggage from the scheme by wrapping their bags with plastic wrap.  It has created an unusual demand for the plastic item.

Some passengers are taking no chances.  They’re not only wrapping their bags with plastic wrap. They are also wrapping themselves, just to be on the safe side.