Folding umbrellas can now be included in hand-carry baggage by air passengers inside the aircraft cabin, according to the Office for Transportation Security (OTS).

OTS administrator Undersscretary Raul L. Del Rosario ordered the review of the Office’s Memorandum Circulars No. 005 and 006 series of 2019 stating the revised list of prohibited items intended for passengers departing any airports in the country.

According to the OTS, the initiative was made following public appeal to allow carriage of folded umbrellas in both cabin and checked baggage.

“As number of passengers travelling locally and internationally increase, there has also been an increase in number of requests for information on transport security policies, particularly on prohibited items,” OTS said in a release.

On the other hand, cane umbrellas are still prohibited for carry-on bags.

The OTS follows the international standard set by International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) in identifying items to be prohibited on board which may aid in committing any acts of unlawful interference against the civil aviation.