BOC apologizes for smashed OFW toy plane during baggage check
Bureau of Customs (BOC) | FILE PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines — The Bureau of Customs (BOC) on Wednesday apologized to the toy airplane owner for intentionally smashing it during an inspection at Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 1, citing “unintentional errors” in the inspection process.
“We sincerely apologize to the concerned passenger for any inconvenience it may have caused and recognize the unintentional errors committed at the expense of our passengers,” it said.
The owner of the toy aircraft, overseas Filipino worker Rachelle Anne Ramos, was about to board a connecting flight to Laoag when she was stopped to check the toy’s content.
The agency explained that under the BOC and Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency’s rules and regulations, an object needs to be physically examined after suspicious images appear in the x-ray inspection.
The inspector then used a hammer to crack open the model airplane that seemed to be made of hard plastic.
According to the BOC, the passenger gave consent to the inspection. Upon examination, the BOC concluded that no prohibited substance was found inside the aircraft model.
According to the agency, in previous instances where toys appeared suspicious on X-ray machines, illegal substances were found inside them.
READ: P10M-worth of shabu, kush weeds concealed in toys seized at NAIA
The BOC said it will review its procedures in their duty in keeping the country safe and drug-free.
“We understand the importance of balancing security and passenger comfort. Thus, we will review our procedures to align with this goal and to avoid similar occurrences in the future,” it added. —MJ Soriano, INQUIRER.net trainee
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