Authorities in Zamboanga City swiftly responded to a bomb threat discovered onboard a Cebu Pacific flight from Manila early Saturday morning, June 14.
The Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) said the threat was uncovered shortly after flight 5J851 landed at the Zamboanga airport. A cabin crew member, while checking the aircraft’s lavatory, found a tissue roll containing a chilling message that read, “may bomba” (there is a bomb).
The flight, which took off from Manila at 6 a.m. and landed safely at 7:55 a.m., was immediately placed under security protocols. Airport personnel conducted a thorough inspection of the aircraft and the terminal building. The sweep was completed by 8:58 a.m., and no explosive device was found.
The incident was declared resolved by 8:59 a.m., allowing airport operations to return to normal without any further delays. All passengers were safely cleared for boarding and other flight activities proceeded as scheduled.
In a statement, CAAP emphasized, “CAAP is treating the incident as a serious security concern.” The agency reminded the public that bomb threats, regardless of how they are made, are punishable under Presidential Decree No. 1727, which prohibits the spread of false information about bombs or explosives.
Authorities have not identified any suspects as of this report, but investigations are ongoing.
