THE Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) has reminded travelers that bomb jokes are prohibited at all airports.
“As we prepare for the Holy Week travel rush, please remember: Making bomb jokes or false bomb threats is a criminal offense under Presidential Decree 1727. The crime carries penalties of up to five (5) years imprisonment, fine of up to ?40,000, or both penalties combined,” CAAP said in a travel advisory on Wednesday, April 16.
It added: “Help maintain airport security and ensure smooth travel for all passengers. Let us think before we speak. Some “jokes” can have serious consequences.”
Earlier last month, a Manila-bound flight was delayed for two hours at the Iloilo International Airport in Cabatuan, Iloilo after a passenger joked about having a grenade in his bag, prompting authorities to conduct a full security check.
According to Police Lieutenant Colonel Jonathan Papay, officer-in-charge of the Aviation Security Unit 6 (AVSEU-6), a flight attendant of Cebu Pacific Flight 5J460 overheard the male passenger’s remark and immediately reported it to the pilot on March 4.
Upon receiving the report, security personnel ordered the immediate deplaning of all 176 passengers to conduct an extensive search of the aircraft and passenger belongings.
After a thorough investigation, authorities confirmed that no explosive device was found allowing the flight to proceed at 10:25 p.m. — two hours after its original schedule.
The said passenger, meanwhile, was taken into AVSEU-6 custody for proper disposition./PN
