KLM Accused of Discrimination towards Filipino Woman

European airline KLM is on the defensive after an 18 year-old indigenous Filipino woman was denied boarding while en route to World Youth Day in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil as part of a sponsored "experiential learning" trip. She was denied boarding in Kuala Lumpur to her connecting flight by KLM staff who claimed that she appeared "not ready to travel" in spite of carrying a folder with complete documentation of her trip to Brazil. 

Image Source: GoodX.org

The story was discovered following a public letter of complaint that was circulated on Facebook by GoodX.org, the sponsor of the young woman's Brazil trip. The young lady identified as Arjean Marie Belco hails from the Talaandig tribe of Bukidnon. The letter on Facebook described the incident in detail indicating that Belco had cleared immigration in Malaysia without incident but was not permitted to board her connecting KLM flight to Rio de Janeiro by an employee under the name of Mr. Shawa. The employee believed that Belco was "not ready to travel" and "that he was doubtful" of the legitimacy of her trip.

In the letter, GoodX.org stated, "Arjean was denied her right to travel. This could also be perceived as a possible case of discrimination based on appearance, gender, ethnicity, nationality, age or social status." The trip to Brazil was a partnership of GoodX.org and Cartwheel Foundation who collected donations to send Belco who is presently studying a Bachelor of Science in Education degree.

The KLM employee is said to have interrogated Belco with a number of questions including why her passport was so new, why she was flying through Malaysia, and how much money she had. It was also suggested by the employee that her ticket was too cheap.

According to the sponsors, the KLM ticket to Rio de Janeiro was approximately $1,000 cheaper from Kuala Lumpur than from Manila. Her passport was so new because this was her first trip outside of the Philippines. Belco also showed KLM staff a bank statement from Cartwheel Foundation demonstrating sufficient funds. That was in addition to $100 and P3,370 that she had on hand for emergency and meal expenses enroute to Brazil. She also presented media clippings of her story that was published in the Philippines about her trip but the documents were not enough to satisfy KLM.

Mr. Shawa of KLM discussed the matter with GoodX.org staff over the phone who were desperately trying to resolve the situation but Shawa said that there was nothing he could do and was prompting the organization to purchase another ticket. The incident was later escalated to the Dutch Embassy in Malaysia. GoodX.org was not impressed with the treatment received by Mr. Shawa claiming that he was even laughing while listening to their side of the story which was completely unacceptable.

GoodX.org is a non-profit organization that is dedicated to Good Exchanges. It is headed by Luis Petzhold, a Brazilian film maker and youth advocate alongside Risa Halaguena, a Filipina lawyer and writer. The trip to attend World Youth Day, an international event for young Catholics, was intended to be a pilot project for the organization to facilitate future experiential learning trips. The organization notes on its Facebook page that travel, culture, and creativity should be appreciated and nurtured at a young age through experiential learning. 

Image Source: Todocuba.es

Belco had asked the KLM staff to contact her sponsors in the Philippines to verify the information and also presented the address of her Brazilian host family but KLM refused to assist. GoodX.org had contacted the airline prior to purchasing the ticket to ensure all relevant information was obtained prior to the trip.

Belco eventually departed Kuala Lumpur after being stranded for two nights. On its Facebook page, KLM stated, "We appreciate your support for the GoodX project, and acknowledge your concerns about Arjean's flight with us. We have been in touch with GoodX.org representatives regarding the situation, and have made all arrangements needed to bring this to a good end."

Petzhold ended up flying from Manila to Kuala Lumpur to ensure that Belco was permitted to fly and that she received the treatment that she deserves. KLM denied any form of discrimination indicating that it "values all of its passengers" and that no judgement was passed based on age, gender, race, religion, or lifestyle.

In a post on Facebook, KLM noted, "We accept passengers in possession of valid travel documents. It is up to the authorities of the destination country to determine what travel documents are needed and what rules apply to them."

Upon arrival in Brazil, Belco was greeted by the Philippine Ambassador to Brazil, Eva Betita, and her host family. GoodX.org stated that they wanted to send Belco to World Youth Day to "broaden her horizons through experiential learning." According to the organization, Belco's dream is to become a successful professional teacher.

"I want to rise up my community and family from poverty, not totally in financial problem but in a right way on how to live with courage and to discover the true values of life," Belco said. "On the other hand, I want also to be a good inspiration towards my co-Talaandigs on how to protect, to care, and most of all is how to be proud of being a Talaandig."

The World Youth Day activities are anticipating nearly 2.5 million delegates including approximately 350 from the Philippines.