The Office for Transportation Security (OTS) issued a new advisory urging air travelers to avoid carrying bullets as amulets—locally known as “anting-anting”—in Philippine airports, following a recent incident at Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 2 involving an Iloilo-bound passenger.
The reminder came after airport security personnel at NAIA Terminal 2 detected an ammunition component, believed to be used as a protective charm or amulet, during routine baggage screening procedures on February 18, 2025. To ensure transparency and prevent misunderstandings related to the so-called “laglag bala” scam, authorities performed manual luggage checks openly, clearly showing their empty hands before and following inspection.
According to OTS Undersecretary Crizaldo Nieves, “Many passengers continue the practice of carrying bullets for protection. We kindly remind everyone again to stop bringing such items, which can only result in unnecessary inconvenience and delays during your journey.”
The passenger involved was permitted to proceed after voluntarily surrendering the discovered item to security personnel. The bullet component was subsequently handed over to the Philippine National Police Aviation Security Group (PNP AVSECOM) for proper handling.
For travelers’ convenience, Nieves encouraged everyone to regularly visit the official OTS website and its Facebook page for complete details and updated lists of prohibited items at Philippine airports.
University of the Philippines Department of Anthropology professor, Dr. Nestor Castro, shared historical insights on the origin of this practice. He mentioned that the tradition of using bullets as protective charms likely began during the American period of occupation in the Philippines, with historical records showing Macabebe Scouts using silver bullets believed to ward off evil. Modern practices, according to Castro, now favor bullets as general lucky charms rather than defensive talismans, though these beliefs continue in Filipino culture today.