NAIA ‘Random Checking’ Leaves Passenger Anxious and Confused
NAIA – A passenger at Ninoy Aquino International Airport shared a troubling experience regarding what she described as a “random checking” that left her anxious and confused.
In a viral Facebook post, Ann Olvido Lucero recounted the incident that took place on April 6, 2025. Lucero had just checked in for her flight and, as part of standard airport procedures, placed her hand-carry items, including a tumbler and bags with fruits from La Union, through the X-ray scanner. She was instructed to empty her tumbler, which she did without hesitation.
However, things took an unsettling turn when she was informed she needed to undergo a “random checking.” Lucero was confused and asked the staff for clarification, but the only response she received was a vague “random checking lang po,” with no clear explanation about what the check was for or why it was necessary. She insisted on carrying her belongings to the designated area, but the staff insisted otherwise, directing her to what was referred to as the “examiner’s area.”
At the area, a staff member used a small white paper to wipe Lucero’s palm, clothes, shoes, and bags before placing the paper into a machine that resembled a microscope. Despite repeated attempts to understand the purpose of the procedure, Lucero was given no explanation. She even asked for a photo or video of the process to be taken for her safety, but the staff stopped the attempt. After some time, Lucero was told the process was over, and the staff asked to see her boarding pass before allowing her to proceed.
Lucero expressed her distress and fear, wondering if she might be framed for something like the “tanim bala” incidents that have plagued the airport in the past. She felt traumatized by the experience, which left her nervous throughout her flight. In her post, she called for better transparency and communication from airport staff, emphasizing that even if the procedure was legitimate, passengers have the right to understand what is happening to them.