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By Rome Jorge, Lifestyle Editor
In the post-9/11 world where terrorists can
strike anywhere without discrimination, the most tangible threat to
the Filipino traveler are the very measures enacted to counter
terrorism. For the Filipino, being a victim of terrorism not only
means being bombed, shot or ransomed; it also means enduring racial
profiling, extended warrantless detentions, humiliating body
searches and denied visas.
Avoiding suspicion
1. Do not tell bomb jokes in planes, trains,
ships, ports or terminals. Making a false bomb threat is in
violation of Presidential Decree No. 1727. Discussing plane crashes,
train accidents and sea mishaps—even fictional ones—are also in
bad taste.
2. Read up all of the latest flight and
immigration regulations. These change often and vary from country to
country. Comply with regulations against liquid bomb threats and
dispose of any beverages and store any liquid toiletries with your
check-in luggage before boarding. To avoid explanations, keep your
medicines in their original containers. Bringing too much cash can
also arouse suspicions; instead bring as well credit cards,
international automated teller machine cards or travelers’ checks.
3. In certain locations, it is forbidden to take
pictures and can be construed as espionage or a casing operation for
a terror attacks. In many countries, civilian airports share space
with Air Force installations and port areas are also home to naval
bases. Some historical sites are also located at strategic border
points.
4. Do not bring fruit
or plants and properly observe all regulations regarding the
transport of animals. Possible pests and diseases they bring can be
a serious threat to a country’s agricultural industry and a
biohazard to its population.
5. Avoid sharing check-in luggage. It is better
to pay excess luggage weight charges than to share a prison cell
with someone transporting contraband. Decline carrying other
people’s hand carry, refuse unexpected packages and dispose of any
gifts from any suspicious characters.
6. Never leave your belongings unattended.
Airport security procedures in certain countries include
preemptively detonating any suspicious unclaimed bags. Stay clear of
abandoned baggage and immediately report to authorities, not just
for alarmist reasons, but also because someone might be missing
their bag.
7. Be yourself and do not fault others for being
them selves. It is not a crime to be Muslim or Arabic. Neither is it
wrong to be of any gender, subculture or ideology. However, display
sensitivity to local cultures with your demeanor and clothing. Leave
your preconceived notions at home. Avoid rowdy behavior. Politeness
and tolerance opens doors, hearts and minds. Striking a conversation
with receptive passengers of different cultures is an excellent way
to ease anxieties. However, the US Department of State, Bureau of
Consular Affairs Publication 11285 recommends to its own nationals:
“As much as possible, avoid luggage tags, dress and behavior that
may identify you as an American. Avoid obvious terrorist targets
such as places where Americans and Westerners are known to
congregate.”
8. Anticipate airport and border security. Stash
objects from your pockets into your hand-carry baggage beforehand to
avoid unnecessarily delaying queues at X-ray machines, metal
detectors and body search booths. Avoid embarrassment by wearing
fresh new matching socks and pants that don’t fall off when you
are requested to remove your shoes and belt.
9. Take precautions against theft or loss of
passport, travel insurance, travelers’ checks and other essential
documents. Photocopy these and leave one copy with a reliable person
with internet/fax access, another in your hand carry bag and a third
with your travel agency. Bring other means of identification.
10. Store telephone numbers and addresses of
Philippine consulates/embassies in your mobile phone. Activate your
international roaming service before leaving.
11. Do not attempt to humor immigration and
security personnel. Provide only the information that they ask and
do not tell them your life story. Minors and parents should approach
the immigration counter together. Relax; nervousness and
defensiveness arouses suspicions. Seek clarification;
miscommunication can lead to serious repercussions. Never antagonize
or plead with authorities to bend the rules. Always be pleasant and
cordial. You are but a guest and authorities have every power to
refuse you entry.
Avoiding danger
1. Know the news. Just as one should check the
six-day forecasts on the internet, one should also follow travel
advisories from the Department of Foreign Affairs regarding conflict
zones and terror threats.
2. Know your geography. Just as it is
unjustifiable to label the whole Philippines as dangerous because of
incidents in Basilan, one should not avoid a whole country because
of problems in one region.
3. Know your world culture. Avoid offending
local sensibilities. Many historical sites are functioning religious
centers and one should dress properly. Men should wear pants and
sleeved shirts. Women should have hemlines below the knee and should
carry a shawl or veil should it be required. Never be pushy or
noisy. Do not discuss politics, religion or any potentially divisive
issue.
4. Know your way. Always seek out free tourist
street maps at hotels airports and train stations in every
destination. Identify on the map your hotel and other safe points to
go to in case of emergency. Orient yourself to where you are before
proceeding and always trace your route to each destination. When
traveling with company, always designate a safe point to rendezvous
at a given time should you be separated. Store the numbers of local
guides and contacts on your mobile phone.
5. Be with the herd. Organized tour groups
benefit from dedicated and experienced local guides.
6. Be street savvy. Avoid rough neighborhoods.
Avoid conspicuous displays of wealth. Do as the locals do. Avoid
looking like a tourist. Gawking at skyscrapers, flaunting your
camera and waiting for pedestrian lights to turn green when all the
locals are jaywalking can make you a target.
7. Be a civilian. With outdoor tourism, avoid
military clothing or gear, especially in regions with insurgency
problems. Always pay a courtesy call to local officials and inform
them of your itinerary. Should you and your party fail to make it
back in time, this information will allow them to mount a search and
rescue mission immediately.
8. Be known. Always carry several means of
identification. Carrying identification with medical information
such as your blood type, allergies and special medical conditions
can make a difference in an emergency.
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