Pinoy detained in Brunei, faces lashing for wearing bullet

MANILA, Philippines - While a flying bullet could most likely land you in a hospital bed, wearing a live one around your neck would mean sound lashing and imprisonment in Brunei.

An unnamed Filipino was arrested and detained in Brunei Darussalam last week for wearing an amulet that was made from a bullet, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said Thursday.

The Filipino traveler was reported to be on transit through Bandar Seri Begawan, the country's capital, enroute to Saudi Arabia when he was arrested last May 8.

"Possession of bullets and other ammunitions is punishable with imprisonment for a term of not less than five years and not more than fifteen years, and lashes with not fewer than 3 strokes and not more than 12 strokes," said the DFA in a statement.

Filipinos traveling to Brunei are advised not to carry amulets or charms made from bullets, as possession of such is a serious offense and in violation of the Arms and Explosives Act of that country.

Meanwhile, the Philippine Embassy in Singapore said that another Filipina worker was apprehended last May 4 for possession of a live bullet.

Singapore Airport Police issued a warning to the Filipino woman upon her arrival at the Changi Airport Terminal earlier this month.

Unauthorized possession of ammunition is an offense under Singapore law. -Mark Joseph Ubalde, GMANews.TV

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