Weapons seized from passengers at Manila port

Deadly weapons were recovered by Manila Port authorities from various passengers of a Negros Navigation ship on their way to their home provinces in Eastern Visayas to mark the All Saints’ and All Souls’ Days. Detected through an X-ray machine, the confiscated weapons included a katana or a sword, a kris (a dagger with a wavy blade), and fan knives. Brass knuckles were also recovered from another passenger, Toto Poras, who said he was only using it as a fashion accessory or a belt buckle. “Sinturon po iyon. Hindi po ano… Mag-aaply po kasi ako ng trabaho… Hindi po panapak iyon. Design lang po ng sinturon," he assured the ship’s anxious crew. (That’s a belt. It’s not. I’m going to apply for a job, you see. That’s not a weapon for hitting someone. That’s just design for my belt.) Another passenger, meanwhile, was even detained after authorities recovered from him a rundown .38-caliber pistol, which was concealed inside a can of biscuits.

Authorities also confiscated aerosol cans and even lighters, which they said could be used to cause explosions or fires. “One reason for [banning] the lighter is... pwedeng gamitin (it can be used) for an explosive or sunog (fire)," said Odin Deseo of the ship’s Oplan Undas. The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) also inspected ships for overloading, excess passengers and improper lashings, as well as the availability and adequacy of life vests and other life-saving equipment. The PCG inspected all ports and ferry terminals across the archipelagic country, as part of its "Oplan Kaluluwa." Passengers assistance centers (help desks) were also set up by the PCG nationwide to ensure the orderly, safe, convenient and secure sea travel of thousands of Filipinos on their annual Undas exodus. Coast Guard canine teams were also deployed across ports and ferry terminals, tasked to conduct random checks on passengers and luggage. Aside from deadly weapons, flammable liquids and solids, corrosive materials, toxic and infectious substances, compressed gases, radioactive materials, explosives and sharp or pointed objects such as knives and scissors are banned on board. At least 13 shipping lines ply the country’s inter-island routes, mostly to the islands of the Visayas and Mindanao. An average of 40,000 Filipinos make the annual Undas exodus to these southern parts of the country. With Jerrie Abella/DM/KBK, GMANews.TV