Very disturbing development in the Philippines

[Ian]

Yesterday I received the following information from a friend in the Philippines.

Last night, the PH Congress approved on final reading the Anti-Terrorism Bill. I was informed by my friends and fellow blade enthusiasts in the legal profession that, with this Bill in effect, blade-related transactions may be monitored, limited, or worse, intervened upon by the national government. There are specific provisions of the Bill that defines as 'terrorism' the acquisition and carrying of bladed items. Another feature of the Bill is warrantless arrests, which I'm afraid is a precursor to the strongman regime this current government is turning out to be. ...
To make matters worse, even before the Bill was passed, I've also received reports of two shipments of antique European blades confiscated at Customs because the official-in-charge decided they were 'still functional as weapons.' ...

Very disturbing news. While this site refrains from political commentary, I'm posting this information for those who may be selling items to people in the Philippines, which I have been trying to do but COVID-19 has blocked the mail from Australia to Manila--in this case, an unanticipated but fortunate development as Philippine Customs would likely have seized several items.

I wish all our Filipino members well under these restrictions, especially the warrantless arrests, which have echoes of earlier times under the Marcos regime.

Ian.

[Marbel]

Thanks for the information Ian. Filipino politics is predictably unpredictable. Let’s hope for the best.

I will share a brief anecdote. During my last visit in Oct 2018, I was fortunate enough to acquire nice old Tboli pieces in two locations - Ermita and Lake Sebu. In both cases, after returning to my hotel in Makati my bags and luggage were scanned before entering the premises. Even though securely packaged and identified as antiques, they were (very kindly and courteously) confiscated and held for me by the hotel until check-out - after being admired by the curious hotel staff.

[David R]

Originally Posted by Marbel

Thanks for the information Ian. Filipino politics is predictably unpredictable. Let’s hope for the best.

I will share a brief anecdote. During my last visit in Oct 2018, I was fortunate enough to acquire nice old Tboli pieces in two locations - Ermita and Lake Sebu. In both cases, after returning to my hotel in Makati my bags and luggage were scanned before entering the premises. Even though securely packaged and identified as antiques, they were (very kindly and courteously) confiscated and held for me by the hotel until check-out - after being admired by the curious hotel staff.

It sounds like a very good hotel, and a positive and safe policy.

[asomotif]

Are they eating with chop sticks yet ?