A bullet sealed in a ziplock bag is pictured in a file photo.
(UNTV News)
MANILA, Philippines — The Office for Transportation Security (OTS) now has a solution for the bullet-planting problem at the airport.
Instead of holding a passenger from leaving, OTS will just confiscate the ammunition and allow the passenger to board the plane.
OTS will also let elderly people and overseas Filipino workers leave if only one bullet is found, like the ones used as amulets.
Passengers caught with live ammunition or with more than one bullet will be apprehended.
But for now, OTS has no choice but to implement what is indicated in the law.
According to Republic Act No. 10591, anyone who will be caught bringing ammunition into the airport will not be allowed to ride the plane and will be apprehended.
“Republic Act 10591 is a legislation, as much as we want but we don’t have a control to waive. Not unless the law will be reviewed and amended,” said OTS spokesperson Jojo Maliwat.
For now, OTS advices passengers to check their luggage for prohibited items at the last check booth before proceeding to the screening area. With this, they can be sure that they do not have any prohibited items in their luggage.
OTS said that the number of passengers caught bringing ammunition has decreased.
This is because of the awareness campaign launched by the OTS in partnership with the media.
“The awareness drive that we have been doing and the news everyday made passengers to be aware,” said Maliwat.
OTS is also planning to turn over the screening of baggage to the airport authority.
OTS says it is not part of their job and is not even in their mandate.
(MON JOCSON/UNTV News)
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