Travelers reminded: Be wary of prohibited items

CEBU, Philippines — The Office of the Transportation Security (OTS) is reminding passengers to take note of prohibited items when traveling to avoid delays.

This follows the confiscation of suspected live ammunition, as well as an airsoft gun without the necessary documentation, at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) earlier this week.

Security screening officers of the OTS intercepted a piece of suspected live ammunition, allegedly used as an anting-anting (amulet), by a passenger at NAIA Terminal 2.

“May mga pasahero talaga na patuloy na nagdadala ng bala bilang anting-anting, pero muli po, bawal po ‘yan. Maabala po kayo,” said OTS Administrator, Undersecretary Crizaldo Nieves, in a statement.

The suspicious image was detected during a routine X-ray screening of a passenger’s baggage.

To counter the misconception about the alleged “bullet planting scheme” (laglag-bala), the OTS has long implemented a procedure requiring security screening officers (SSOs) to show their hands before and after manual baggage inspections, ensuring transparency in the security process.

Upon further inspection, officers discovered a piece of ammunition—a prohibited item for civil aviation, which the passenger admitted was being carried as an amulet. The item was then turned over to the Philippine National Police Aviation Security Group (PNP AVSEGROUP) for proper disposition, according to the OTS.

“The law in its strictest sense would tell us that mere possession would put you in so much trouble. Kaya po, huwag na po natin itong dalhin,” Nieves added.

On December 3, a Cebu-bound passenger was caught carrying six pieces of suspected live ammunition at a security screening checkpoint, also at NAIA Terminal 2. The passenger failed to present the required licenses and permits, leading PNP AVSEGROUP officers to arrest the individual and file appropriate charges for violating Republic Act No. 10591, or the Comprehensive Law on Firearms and Ammunition.

Similarly, on December 6, SSOs intercepted 38 pieces of suspected live ammunition carried by another Cebu-bound passenger at General Santos International Airport. The passenger failed to present the necessary licenses and permits, resulting in their arrest and subsequent custody by the PNP AVSEGROUP for violating Republic Act No. 10591.

Usec. Nieves emphasized the importance of understanding and adhering to laws governing the transportation of firearms and ammunition.

“We remind all travelers to be aware of and strictly comply with the proper transportation of firearms and ammunition to avoid legal consequences,” Usec. Nieves said.

On December 9, the OTS also intercepted an airsoft gun during routine security screening at NAIA Terminal 2. The baggage, which belonged to an Australian passenger bound for Caticlan, was flagged during inspection.

The passenger was invited to the hold baggage area to witness the inspection. During the manual inspection, SSO Samson discovered the airsoft gun, a prohibited item requiring airline carrier approval and proper documentation. The item was turned over to the PNP AVSEGROUP for proper disposition.

Nieves reminded passengers to consult the OTS Prohibited Items List, available on their website, before traveling to avoid inconvenience.

“Mahalaga po ang inyong kooperasyon sa airport security screening. Ang mga pellet guns/airsoft guns at iba pang katulad na item ay maaari namang dalhin sa checked-in o hold baggage, ngunit kinakailangan ng tamang dokumento at approval mula sa mga kaukulang ahensya bago sa kani-kanilang flights upang maiwasan ang anumang abala,” Usec. Nieves said. – /ATO (FREEMAN)