Manila authorities destroy items seized from air passengers

Manila: Manila airport security police have destroyed a 50-metre carpet among seized items from passengers who tried to sneak them inside planes despite a security ban on such items in the Philippines.

To show the seriousness of security procedures in airports and planes in the country, the First Police Centre for Aviation Security used a steam roller on Friday to destroy the confiscated items at the parking lot just outside Ninoy Aquino International Airport's Terminal 1.

Airport General Manager Alfonso Cusi told reporters that the items were publicly destroyed in the hope that passengers will take their warnings more seriously.

As the street paving machine ran over the perfume bottles, cosmetic jars, make-up kits and toothpaste tubes, the air reeked of escaping gas and then some of the items burst into flames.

Officials frantically ordered the roller operator to drive the machine away from the items lined up on the ground to stop the fire from getting out of control.

Explosions

Even then, there were intermittent explosions and bursts of flames. A small fire truck went to the area to douse the fire.

"There was friction when the steam roller ran over the items and that started the fire," Cusi said.

"Obviously, there was a chemical reaction."

The Manila International Airport Authority earlier rejected suggestions to donate the seized items.