New X-ray machines at 3 NAIA terminals

Seven new X-ray machines were recently installed at three of the four terminals of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) to boost efforts to prevent the entry of smuggled good through the airport.

The Bureau of Customs (BOC) on Thursday said that brand-new Rapiscan X-ray machines were installed at the airport’s three terminals on June 5.

“These new X-rays will help us detect taxable items inside the passenger luggage such as jewelry, luxury bags and watches, undeclared foreign currency, and more importantly smuggled illegal drugs and other prohibited items,” Customs Commissioner Isidro Lapeña said.

Passengers are required to have their bags scanned by Customs personnel using the X-ray machines.

Opening of baggage in airports have been suspended in April 2017 following reports of baggage pilferage in airports.

Lapeña said this will still be observed at the NAIA.

“We will still observe the standing rule – no opening of bags in the airport. However, baggage marked by the X-ray machine which is suspected to contain contraband items and/ or misdeclared items can be physically examined,” the Customs chief stressed.

Recent incidents of drug trafficking and jewelry smuggling in airports prompted the Customs bureau to implement stricter border security and safety measures.