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The Bureau of Customs on June 4 sought to ease public concern following viral social media reports alleging baggage tag switching at airports, and at the same time stressed that it has no role in baggage handling
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No confirmed cases of baggage tag switching in Philippine airports in recent months
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Viral reports are believed linked to incidents in other countries
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BOC’s mandate covers customs law enforcement and border security, not baggage handling
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The bureau is coordinating with relevant authorities as a precaution
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Travelers are advised to photograph luggage before check-in, use identifiable markers, and consider tracking devices
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Public may file concerns via “Isumbong Kay Commissioner,” the BOC’s official complaints platform
The Bureau of Customs (BOC) on June 4 sought to ease public concern following viral social media reports alleging baggage tag switching at airports, while at the same time stressed that it has no role in baggage handling and that no confirmed incidents have been recorded in the Philippines in recent months.
“The BOC does not handle or manage baggage tagging and has no involvement in any matters related to the placement or switching of baggage tags,” the bureau said in a statement.
BOC said the alarming posts circulating online appear to trace back to incidents that occurred abroad.
The agency also underscored that its mandate centers on enforcing customs laws and securing the country’s borders.
Nonetheless, it said it was not dismissing public concern and that it “remains attentive and continues to coordinate with relevant authorities to ensure the safety and security of all passengers.”
Although not categorizing the issue as a local threat, the BOC provided practical guidance to air travelers, advising them to photograph their luggage before check-in, attach distinctive markers to their bags, and monitor their belongings throughout the journey. The bureau also recommended using tracking devices for added peace of mind.
The BOC closed its statement with a call for continued public vigilance and urged anyone who observes suspicious activity to report it to appropriate authorities. Complaints may also be filed through “Isumbong Kay Commissioner,” the bureau’s dedicated public reporting platform.
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