Law Summary
Legal Basis and Adoption
- Authorized under Executive Order 277 and National Civil Aviation Security Program (NCASP).
- Incorporated principles of international civil aviation security.
- Official adoption of new prohibited items list applicable to flights originating in the Philippines.
Prohibited Items: Guns, Firearms, and Projectile Devices
- Total ban on carrying firearms and guns in any form onboard (carry-on or checked baggage).
- Includes air guns, flare guns, nail guns, pellet guns, pistols, revolvers, rifles, shotguns, sport-related firearms, replicas, and components.
- All firearms must be endorsed to Law Enforcement Officers per Presidential Decree No. 1866.
- Projectile-capable devices like slingshots and bows allowed only in checked baggage.
Stunning Devices
- Prohibition on acid spray, insect/animal repellants, mace/pepper spray, and stun guns in carry-on baggage.
- Allowed in checked baggage.
- Tear gas strictly prohibited.
Sharp Objects
- All sharp objects banned from the cabin.
- Sharp items in checked baggage must be sheathed or securely wrapped.
- Includes axes, bayonets, bolo knives, butterfly knives (balisong), box cutters, cleavers, knives, scissors, swords, and other similar items.
Workers' Tools
- Tools such as crowbars, drills, extension cords, hammers, nails, pliers, saws, screwdrivers, tapes, and wrenches prohibited in carry-on baggage.
- Allowed only in checked baggage.
Blunt Instruments
- Metal chains, batons, billiard sticks, clubs, bats, rods, fishing rods, knuckles, and similar blunt instruments prohibited in carry-on baggage.
- Crutches and mobility aids allowed in cabin if needed by elderly or persons with reduced mobility, subject to inspection.
Explosives and Incendiary Substances
- Unconditional ban on explosives, detonators, grenades, dynamite, plastic explosives, pyrotechnics, ammunition, flares, smoke canisters, mines, replica explosive devices, and fuels.
- Matches and lighters (including fluids/refills) also prohibited.
Liquid, Aerosols, and Gels (LAGs) Regulations
- LAGs allowed in containers not exceeding 100 ml.
- Must be placed in one transparent resealable plastic bag (max one liter capacity), per passenger.
- Exceptions for baby formula, medications, medical necessities, and special dietary liquids.
- Flammable, corrosive, or toxic liquids prohibited regardless of container size.
Medicines and Medical Equipment
- Essential medicines should comply with LAGs rules.
- Proof of prescription or medical necessity statement required for larger quantities.
- Medical equipment subject to airline approval unless it fits as a hand baggage item.
- Over-the-counter medicines exempt if within size restrictions and tested by the passenger.
Miscellaneous Provisions
- Liberal construction of rules to promote aviation security objectives.
- OTS retains authority to implement, amend, or repeal provisions as needed.
- Previous inconsistent rules are repealed or modified accordingly.
- Provisions deemed void do not affect the validity of remaining rules.
- Circular takes effect fifteen days post-publication.
- Copy of circular to be deposited with University of the Philippines.