Beliefs in protective charms led to security incidents at major Philippine airports this week, with nine travelers stopped after X-ray screening revealed prohibited items in their carry-on luggage.
The Office for Transportation Security (OTS) flagged the passengers — eight Filipinos and one American — at Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminals 2 and 3. The Filipino travelers were headed to various domestic and international destinations including Tacloban, Roxas City, Kalibo, and Taipei, while the US citizen was bound for San Francisco.
OTS Administrator Gilberto DC Cruz pointed to a persistent cultural practice as the root of the incidents, noting that some Filipinos still believe in “lucky charms,” such as bringing empty bullet shells for protection during travel or against evil spirits. He stressed, however, that such items are barred from aircraft regardless of the intent behind carrying them.
Not all the confiscated items were inert. While several passengers had empty shells, others were found with live ammunition — all of which were surrendered without resistance once flagged by screeners monitoring X-ray equipment.
OTS information officer Mikee Paneda said the seized items were turned over to Philippine National Police Aviation Security Group personnel for documentation and proper disposition. All nine passengers were subsequently permitted to board their flights on humanitarian grounds.
