Two men bound for Taipei were denied boarding at Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3 late Thursday after a remark made during routine screening triggered security protocols, according to the Philippine National Police Aviation Security Group.
The incident unfolded at the airline’s check-in area as ground staff carried out standard questions on prohibited items. When asked about the contents of their carry-on luggage, the travelers reportedly laughed and said, “It’s okay, wala namang bomba dyan (It’s okay, there isn’t a bomb there).”
Airport personnel elevated the matter to aviation police, prompting the deployment of an Explosive Ordnance Disposal team and a K9 unit. After inspection, authorities confirmed that the bags contained no explosive or incendiary materials.
Despite the all-clear, the passengers were escorted to the NAIA Police Station 3 for documentation and were subsequently offloaded. Airline management opted not to file a criminal case and executed an Affidavit of Non-Formal Complaint, but the men were advised to rebook on a different carrier.
Avsegroup director PBGen. Dionisio B. Bartolome Jr. reiterated that bomb-related jokes are treated as security incidents because they cause alarm, interrupt airport operations, and undermine aviation safety standards.
