Amid fears of ‘tanim bala’ incidents that have continued to exist at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA), booths with disposal bins were set up at strategic points in its entrance queuing areas.
The “last look” booths, labeled “Security Booth” and made of varnished wood, would serve as last chance for passengers to dispose items prohibited materials before they pass through NAIA’s security screening machines, said Vicente Guerzon Jr., senior assistant general manager of the Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA).
Each booth has trash bins where passengers can dispose of items that may cost them a smooth travel to destinations, such as those experienced by travelers whose luggage were found to contain bullets. While items packed in packaging exceeding prescribed sizes or prohibited items like water or sharp objects are simply discarded upon discovery at x-ray machines, live ammunition or those used as souvenirs or talismans could subject a passenger to police interrogation and detention.
Passengers using the installed booths will not be subjected to questioning about the items they just got rid of.
“So before they go through the x-ray scanners, they are already made aware of the prohibited items. Knowing this, they can already use the ‘last look’ booths to get rid of whatever banned thing they have with them,” Guerzon explained.
The airport has television monitors that show list of prohibited items narrated and captioned in both English and Tagalog languages.
Guerzon also said interrogation rooms, placed after x-ray scanners, are now equipped with full audio and video recording to ensure transparency and prevent extortion or any “shady transaction.”
Photo credit: Federico Cruz/Manila Bulletin