Some United States marines were placed under investigation after officials caught them carrying 60 pieces of live ammunition and 17 magazines at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3 on Friday.
The marines, who were part of the just-concluded Balikatan exercises in Zamboanga, were leaving for Japan via Delta Airlines when they were stopped by members of the Office for Transportation Security, who noticed the images of bullets and magazines at the X-ray machine monitor.
Officials said the bullets and magazines were found on one of the marines’ bags, and that the marines failed to coordinate with concerned about their bringing banned items.
Recently, the US Transportation Security Administration made a security audit at the NAIA and had 16 recommendations that the Manila International Airport Authority should address.
The TSA urged the Philippines to carry out effective security measures consistent with the security standards established by the International Civil Aviation Organization.
The marines were later allowed to board their flight after papers and documents for the bullets and magazines were presented by US liaison personnel.
Airport authorities urged passengers not to bring firearms and other prohibited items to avoid flight delays.
The Aviation Security Group also reminded the people traveling by air to secure documents, particularly a permit to transport from the Philippine National Police, when bringing guns and ammunition during their trips.
The Firearms and Explosives Office of the PNP is the unit handling clearances for passengers who wish to bring guns and ammunition when traveling.
