MANILA, Philippines (The Adobo Chronicles, Manila Bureau) – Ever since the scheme, laglag bala, was exposed at Manila’s Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA), airline passengers have been very creative in protecting their luggage from being targeted by airport personnel suspected of “planting” live bullets in bags for the purpose of extorting money.

Many choose to wrap their bags in saran wrap or put all sorts of warning signs and stickers to let airport staff know that they are closely watching their personal stuff.

The extortion scheme has created big business opportunities for luggage makers like Australia’s Crumple, a company that manufactures high-end travel bags and accessories.

It has created a special-edition anti-laglag bala luggage made of an all-clear polycarbonate shell which hides nothing that’s packed inside the bag. Airport security inspectors need not open the bag to search for prohibited items since they can see all the way through.

The new luggage line is especially popular among Filipinos who love to show off their designer clothing, shoes, and accessories.

In less than a month after the special luggage was introduced in the market in the Philippines, it sold out and has a huge backlog of orders.

But not to worry.  A local entrepreneur has invented a new anti-laglag bala luggage — not the same transparent Crumple bags — that scares away unscrupulous airport scammers.

The luggage has a life-sized photograph of Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte’s face and upper torso with a message warning schemers that he will let them eat the bullets that they plant in passengers’ bags.  The presidential candidate is known for implementing unusual punishment for violators of the law, including forcing violators of the smoking ban to swallow their cigarette butts.

The Duterte luggage retails for P4,600 (about US $100).  It is also reportedly now on back order.

However, an inexpensive alternative is available for those who cannot afford to purchase the Duterte luggage.  Stickers bearing the same image and message from Duterte are being sold at the National Book Store for  P50 ($1.08). All one needs to do is to attach the stickers to each check-in and carry-on bag.

Is this the beginning of the end of laglag bala?