There is a new video game available at Google Play that victims of a scam at the Manila International Airport would not play at all. It is the "Tanim-bala" game, an extortion scheme at the primary Philippine airport in which one bullet is planted inside the bag or luggage of passengers and then those caught during x-ray inspection are made to pay large amounts of money to avoid facing a criminal case.
Inquirer reports that "Bullet Planter," a 15-megabyte game, was developed by Kulit Games and the app was updated on Wednesday. Android users could download it through Google Play. The game was inspired by the scam.
Users would earn points by moving their cursor from left to right to avoid the bullets that airport security officials are dropping in their luggage. The game description explains, "These greedy administrators want to plant a bullet in your bag and if they succeed, you'll end up paying $1000. Of course you would not let them do that!"
Commenting on the game, Karlo Gutang said while he loves the game, and although it is a satire, it is accurate. He describes it as a stress buster, time killer and super laugh trip. Armel Madsen gave it five stars for satire. But he suggests "I can imagine how this game could be even better. Factor in cling wrap and all sorts of stuff."
Madsen was referring to the response of Filipino travelers by wrapping their luggage in cling wrap to avoid being victimized by the gang.
Another suggestion from Mike Nite is for developers to come up with other games that humiliates the inept administration of Philippine President Benigno Aquino III such as a "Leave Yolanda victims Dying roulette game" and "Where's the Yolanda fund Hidden Billions game."
The scam has been written by international news sites and is placing Philippine tourism at risk as holiday makers avoid the country's principal gateway in December.
Besides becoming a video game, the plant-a-bullet scheme was also reenacted in a Japanese TV show, reports Coconuts Manila. Shinjoy Nosiap Martinez, whose name appears to be half-Japanese and half-Filipino, shared on Facebook the video where a man in navy blue suit says the scheme has been happening over the years and had also victimized many Japanese tourists.