A California-based traveler has shared her experience after allegedly undergoing a strict baggage inspection upon arriving in the Philippines, including being asked to open bags of organic rice she was carrying.
In a social media post, Gabby Barcenas Mercury said her luggage was X-rayed twice during her trip to the Philippines. According to her account, airport personnel then instructed her to open her bags of organic rice individually due to strict inspection procedures.
“My luggage was X-rayed twice, and they wanted me to open my rice bag one by one because they said they are very strict with organic rice,” she wrote.
Mercury said she complied because she was allegedly told she could not leave until the inspection was completed.
She further claimed that the situation became more distressing when she attempted to call her brother to inform him that she was still being held up at the airport. According to Mercury, a personnel member allegedly shouted at her and tightly grabbed her hand after apparently believing she was recording a video.
Mercury said she tried to explain that she was only making a phone call.
“I am not a criminal. I am a dual citizen and I came home to do ministry,” she recalled telling airport personnel.
She also said she showed the books she was carrying, including The Great Controversy, as she explained the purpose of her visit.
Despite the experience, Mercury ended her post with a message of forgiveness: “Lord, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.”
Travelers Reminded About Agricultural Products
Rice and other plant or agricultural products brought into the Philippines can be subject to customs, quarantine, and biosecurity requirements. Travelers should verify current import rules and required permits before packing such products, as baggage may undergo additional inspection upon arrival.
Mercury’s account has drawn attention to the experience travelers can face during airport baggage inspections, particularly when carrying agricultural products.
As of publication, the allegations concerning the conduct of airport personnel described in Mercury’s post have not been independently verified, and no official response from the airport authorities involved was included in the account.
