By Ma. Cristina Arayata | Philippine News Agency
The Office for Transport Security (OTS) reminded the public on Wednesday not to bring ammunition in airports as violators could face legal sanctions.
“The law (Comprehensive Law on Firearms and Ammunition) is clear on this: kapag po ang isang tao ay in possession, or has unlawfully acquired it, ang parusa po dito ay pagkakakulong. That is why, paulit-ulit po kami sa pagpapaalala,” OTS Administrator Crizaldo Nieves told the Philippine News Agency.
The OTS intercepts the ammunition to keep passengers from bringing these elsewhere, he added.
Other countries such as Hong Kong and Singapore charge 5-20 years of imprisonment to those caught with ammunition, Nieves said.
In the Philippines, the screening personnel record the incident and turn over the seized ammunition to the airport police.
“It is up to them whether to file or not to file a case against the passenger based on their evaluation of the circumstances,” he said.
The OTS does not have any power to arrest, detain, or file a case against a passenger.
Meanwhile, in a social media post, the OTS noted that bringing ammunition would cause delay and inconvenience.
Passengers are urged not to take the risk of bringing ammunition regardless of quantity.