Manila, March 11 -- Senate President Francis Escudero on Tuesday urged transportation and justice officials to conduct a comprehensive cleanup of airport personnel nationwide after the dismissal of security officers involved in the controversial "tanim-bala" (bullet planting) scheme.

In a news release, Escudero emphasized that such efforts are necessary to improve the country's image among local and international travelers.

He also commended newly appointed Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon for swiftly dismissing three employees from the Office of Transportation Security for allegedly attempting to extort money from a 69-year-old woman and her family before their flight to Vietnam.

He said removing erring security personnel should m...