Safety is as important as health. It is a right, not a privilege according to Avira antivirus software. It is the foundation with which we build security and functionality. Otherwise, security is ruined, and functionality diminished. I remember the movie, “The Okinawa’s Dream”. The village in that movie has no electricity – that means no street lights, no street cameras. But the people were safe. Nowadays, one’s safety is threatened even during daytime.

In the past years there had been a regular occurrence of terrorism, which has enormously spread fear in every homes, every establishments, and every countries in the world. Thus the “safety first” signage in gates, bags and body inspections in malls and establishments; and finally, the strict and yet eccentric airport security check were implemented.

Speaking of airport security, I just had a very annoying experience with this in Diosdado Macapagal International Airport in Clark Pampanga, Philippines. I brought with me a traveler’s grooming kit. It is as dainty as an iphone 4s. Inside are the following; nail cutter, nipper, nail file, tweezer, eyebrow trimmer, and pimple extractor (whatever you call it). Upon arrival as they are made of metal, they got detected by the x-ray machine. The male officer cordially asked for the inspection of my bag. When he found out that it was only a grooming kit, he returned it to me. At the domestic departure before we get to the boarding area, is yet another inspection. The female officer saw the grooming kit. She asked me to show it to her. She opened it and said “ oohhh”. She then took the nipper, nail file, and eyebrow trimmer. She went on to explain that those three are sharp objects and they’re not allowed on board.

I was in a state of disbelief. It already passed international inspection during my trip to the Philippines but now she’s not allowing it. Was she thinking that I might stab the people on board using the nipper??!! OMG! So ridiculous. Well, don’t get me wrong. I am for safety. But what irked me was the inconsistencies with the airport officials implementing security policies.

In their suggestion box, I wrote;

I suggest that any confiscated item(s) should be named and packed individually. And be made known to the owners that they have the option of claiming back their items in their way in or out of the country.

Where do confiscated items go to? Are they given out for donations? Or are they used for personal purposes?

I left my email address. But up until now, I have not received any reply from them. Could it be that it's customary not to reply? Could it be that they are not checking their suggestion box regularly? If these are the cases, why ask for the email or why ask for suggestions?

Do you have any similar experiences? Feel free to leave your creative responses or your comments in the comment section below.

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