Charles Teves
A female traveler complains about airport staff damaging her model airplane.
Facebook user Rachelle Anne Alcolcel Ramos posted pictures and a video showing Philippine airport personnel destroying her model airplane.
The video shows a female immigration officer using a hammer to break open a toy airplane for a thorough inspection. After the toy is shattered, no suspicious items are found by the airport authorities.
Ramos said the baggage had already undergone x-ray screening and a police dog examination, yet airport officials still detained her for further inspection.
“Ito lng naman ang outcome ng ginawa nila yung after nila mafind out n parang espalto ang laman, todo sorry na sila. pasalamat nga sila d ko n pinabayaran eh may awa pa naman ako kahit konti lng. hayyysss . 2x na pinadaan sa x-ray machine, 2x chineck ng police dog, pero walang nakita pero ayaw pa rin ako irelease kaya sbi ko basagin n lng pero d n nya tinuloy kasi d nya mabasag ang semento pero Sbi ko tanggalin nya ang ulo pero ayaw n nya sorry na dawkaloka mga bess stressful” she wrote.
Grabe bakit sinira? Di ba yon nakikita sa xray? https://t.co/ixmYDeMrew
— John Lapus (@KorekKaJohn) April 3, 2023
The footage sparked reactions from netizens.
Under various laws and regulations, airport officers in the Philippines can inspect passengers’ baggage for illegal substances. Republic Act No. 9165, also known as the “Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002,” is the primary legal framework governing this area. This act protects the public from dangerous drugs, including their manufacture, sale, and use.
Under this act, law enforcement officers, including airport officers, can conduct searches, seizures, and arrests of individuals suspected of carrying illegal substances. Airport officers can inspect baggage through X-ray screening, manual checks, and other security measures. If they suspect illegal substances, they may conduct a more thorough inspection, including opening the baggage and examining its contents.
Additionally, airport security in the Philippines operates under the guidelines set by the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) and the Aviation Security Group (AVSEGROUP) of the Philippine National Police. These organizations ensure that airport security measures comply with international standards and protect passengers’ safety and security.
