A recent anonymous email threat warning of an explosion at several airports in the Philippines has been deemed “most likely a hoax,” the country’s aviation police chief stated on Friday.
Following the receipt of the ominous email, authorities initiated heightened security measures at all 42 commercial airports across the nation. The anonymous message hinted at potential explosions on planes departing Manila for various tourist hotspots.
Despite the increased alert, operations at Manila’s main international airport, as well as its two principal airlines, continued as usual with no anticipated flight delays, confirmed Transport Minister Jaime Bautista. In response to the threat, additional police forces and canine units were stationed at the Manila terminals.
The Civil Aviation Authority (CAAP) reported that they had directed airports to intensify security in light of the “bomb threats.” The contentious email, received by air traffic services, did not specifically use the term “bomb” but cautioned that “an airplane will explode” in Manila. Further, it ominously stated, “Cebu, Palawan, Bicol and Davao will also be hit.”
Cebu, recognized as one of the most frequented beach locales, attracted over 1 million visitors in the previous year. Similarly, nearly 5 million tourists visited Bicol in central Philippines, according to tourism data.
The aviation police chief, Jack Wanky, disclosed that the email threat was received at approximately 8 a.m. (0000 GMT) on Wednesday. Expressing his doubts, Wanky commented, “It’s most likely a hoax. Nothing is happening. Airport operations are continuous; it’s normal.”
The initial discovery of the threat was made by a regional airport in Bicol. Following this, similar information reached the police in the National Capital Region, prompting them to alert aviation police.
While some travelers like Australian business traveler Kevin Beachley brushed off the threat, stating it as a mere method “of causing a lot of trouble”, local resident Joy Nequinto expressed concerns over the airport’s security, particularly in Manila.