OTS confiscates bottle cap opener-shaped bullet shell from passenger at NAIA

Office for Transportation Security (OTS) security officers have intercepted a bottle opener shaped like a bullet shell at the at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 1 on November 26, 2025.

"The item was detected during the routine security screening of a passenger bound for Riyadh aboard Saudia Flight SV 861," the OTS said in a statement.

X-ray operator SSO Arriane Alarcon saw a "suspicious image resembling ammunition" on the monitor then immediately called the attention of baggage inspector SSO Jessiel Ruiz.

Ruiz then conducted a manual inspection of the baggage in the presence of the passenger, who was identified by the OTS only as an "airline representative," and personnel from the PNP Aviation Security Group (PNP AVSEGROUP).

"The manual baggage inspection confirmed the presence of a single empty bullet shell that had been repurposed into a bottle opener. The item was confiscated and turned over to the PNP AVSEGROUP for proper disposition. After the procedure, the passenger was allowed to proceed with the flight without any further delay," the OTS said.

Through the same statement, OTS Administrator Undersecretary Gilberto DC Cruz issued a reminder to the traveling public to be "mindful of things they carry as some of them may cause delay at the security screening checkpoint."

"Pinapaalalahanan po natin ang ating mga kababayan na parati pong i-check ang inyong mga bag bago mag impake, at bago bumiyahe, upang masiguro na wala itong laman na kahit anong security prohibited item na maaaring maging cause ng abala sa pagdaan ninyo sa ating security screening checkpoint,” Cruz said.

(We remind our compatriots to always check your bags before packing, and before traveling, to ensure that they are free of any security prohibited items that may cause inconvenience when you pass through our security screening checkpoint.) — BAP, GMA Integrated News