A three-parter post that I typed on my phone at separate instances with no particular reader in mind. As stated in the title, it's a ranting rampage so proceed with caution. Or maybe just don't read it at all.
I F*ckin' Forgot I Had A Lighter
I have been very irresponsible by accidentally bringing a lighter in my bag for a total of 6 flights, local and international, all of which touched base in NAIA. Irresponsible, because I essentially upped those flights' risk factor, and worse, without me being aware.
It wasn't even concealed. It was right in the middle of my handbag, along with other trash I refused to part ways with. (Read: most likely highly flammable) It was a very cheap lighter we bought at the convenience store one midnight in Taguig. I can still remember which date it was and who I was with. It had sentimental value.
Even so, every time I'd see the lighter still in my bag after a flight, I'd give myself flak and then a mental note to remove it right away. Of course, me being me, I forgot. And since I have never actually smoked or had no other use for the lighter, I kept on forgetting I had it in there.
I know the much sensationalized Laglag Bala Scam we keep hearing about in the news has already (thankfully) started to die down but as an OFW who would want to visit the Philippines every now and then, I must admit I still have a fear of getting victimized. IN MY OWN COUNTRY. BY MY COUNTRYMEN, WHO ARE SUPPOSED TO BE SERVING SAID COUNTRY.
That seemed more absurd as I was typing it.
If I had unknowingly brought something dangerous that could endanger the lives of others, I want to be stopped by the scanners and be dealt accordingly by all means. But a frame-up is a completely different thing.
OFWs only have a few vacation days. I don't want to spend hours or even days getting hassled. I don't want my precious time to get wasted. Time I could spend with my family and friends. And more importantly, I don't want any more international ridicule towards the NAIA Terminals.
I just want these officers to do their jobs, and to do their jobs well. After all, this is what they are being paid for to do. Is this really too much to ask?
[Add]: After verifying what the regulated/illegal items that can be brought inside a plane are, I have learned that a single lighter is OKAY. What's not allowed is if you bring two lighters or more. The law also states the lighter should always be with the person, not inside the checked baggage.
It makes sense but a few months back, I had a cheap lighter blow up in my hands. I was able to save our kitchen from getting lit up so no harm done. But it makes me also think lighters are unpredictable, even on their own.
I F*ckin' Forgot I Had A Lighter
I have been very irresponsible by accidentally bringing a lighter in my bag for a total of 6 flights, local and international, all of which touched base in NAIA. Irresponsible, because I essentially upped those flights' risk factor, and worse, without me being aware.
It wasn't even concealed. It was right in the middle of my handbag, along with other trash I refused to part ways with. (Read: most likely highly flammable) It was a very cheap lighter we bought at the convenience store one midnight in Taguig. I can still remember which date it was and who I was with. It had sentimental value.
Even so, every time I'd see the lighter still in my bag after a flight, I'd give myself flak and then a mental note to remove it right away. Of course, me being me, I forgot. And since I have never actually smoked or had no other use for the lighter, I kept on forgetting I had it in there.
I know the much sensationalized Laglag Bala Scam we keep hearing about in the news has already (thankfully) started to die down but as an OFW who would want to visit the Philippines every now and then, I must admit I still have a fear of getting victimized. IN MY OWN COUNTRY. BY MY COUNTRYMEN, WHO ARE SUPPOSED TO BE SERVING SAID COUNTRY.
That seemed more absurd as I was typing it.
If I had unknowingly brought something dangerous that could endanger the lives of others, I want to be stopped by the scanners and be dealt accordingly by all means. But a frame-up is a completely different thing.
OFWs only have a few vacation days. I don't want to spend hours or even days getting hassled. I don't want my precious time to get wasted. Time I could spend with my family and friends. And more importantly, I don't want any more international ridicule towards the NAIA Terminals.
I just want these officers to do their jobs, and to do their jobs well. After all, this is what they are being paid for to do. Is this really too much to ask?
[Add]: After verifying what the regulated/illegal items that can be brought inside a plane are, I have learned that a single lighter is OKAY. What's not allowed is if you bring two lighters or more. The law also states the lighter should always be with the person, not inside the checked baggage.
It makes sense but a few months back, I had a cheap lighter blow up in my hands. I was able to save our kitchen from getting lit up so no harm done. But it makes me also think lighters are unpredictable, even on their own.
