Philippine airport to implement new rules for hand-carried LAGs in August

Unsealed liquids, aerosols and gels (LAGs) exceeding 100 milliliters will no longer be allowed at the Diosdado Macapagal International Airport (DMIA) and other regional airports starting August.

DMIA officials said the measure is based on the new guidelines set by the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC).

The DOTC Office for Transportation Security laid out the new rules for all airport authorities, airport managers, and industry stakeholders in a bid to improve security at the country’s main gateway and regional airports.

The new measures downgraded the total ban on LAGs implemented in August last year after British Intelligence Service unearthed an alleged terrorist plot to bomb US-bound planes by using liquid explosives.

The Philippines is one of the few countries that immediately implemented a total ban on LAGs on the luggage of international and domestic passengers.

DMIA general manager Bienvenido O. Manga said the security measures apply to all departing international and domestic passengers that are transiting through Philippine airports.

“We wanted to ensure the safety of travelers that is why we are complying with the new directives,” Manga said.

Under the new rules on LAGs, international and domestic passengers can only carry 100 milliliter of each item in containers.

The DOTC specifically noted that containers should not be more than specified volume otherwise the LAGs will be confiscated.

Manga added that the containers with LAGs should be placed in a transparent and resealable plastic bag measuring 20 by 20 centimeters and not bigger than one liter in size.

The new measures were approved by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and DOTC and adopted during consultations with the Office of Transportation Security in Manila.

Flyers, leaflets, and website posting will be made available to travelers at DMIA, according to Airport Security Officers Marcelino Ibanez Jr. and Ronald Aquino.

Signage regarding the new rules will also be placed within DMIA premises for better understanding of the public.

sunstar