A 26-year-old seafarer from Talisayan, Misamis Oriental is in police custody after telling a cabin crew member that his bag contained a bomb while boarding a flight at Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 2 on Tuesday.
The man, who was scheduled to fly to Butuan City, made the remark when questioned by cabin crew about the contents of his luggage. He subsequently claimed it was a joke, but airport authorities had already been alerted and standard security protocols were set in motion.
Bomb disposal teams and K9 units swept the passenger’s baggage and the surrounding area. No explosives or hazardous materials were found.
PNP-Aviation Security Group (AVSEGROUP) director PBGen. Dionisio B. Bartolome Jr. said the incident underscored the zero-tolerance approach applied to such remarks inside airport premises. “We treat all statements involving bombs or explosives with utmost seriousness. Even jokes are not taken lightly as these may cause panic and disrupt airport operations. We urge the public to always be responsible with their words, especially inside airport premises,” he said.
The seafarer is being charged under Presidential Decree No. 1727, the Anti-Bomb Joke Law, and was informed of the basis for his arrest and his legal rights. A formal complaint is being prepared by AVSEGROUP while the suspect remains under the custody of NAIA authorities.
