A female passenger bound for Bacolod was arrested after making a bomb joke while already on board an aircraft at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3 in Pasay City on Monday, Jan. 26.
The Philippine National Police Aviation Security Group said the incident happened as a cabin crew member was assisting the passenger in placing her baggage in the overhead bin.
Police said the passenger allegedly remarked, “Oo, itaas ’yan baka sabihin may bomba (Yes, put it up there, they might say there’s a bomb),” prompting the crew to immediately report the statement and trigger aviation security protocols.
Personnel from the PNP Aviation Security Group and NAIA Police Station 3 responded and escorted the passenger for proper disposition.
Explosive Ordnance Disposal and Explosive Detection Dog units conducted clearing operations and later declared the baggage free of explosives or incendiary materials.
The passenger was arrested for alleged violation of Article 287 of the Revised Penal Code or unjust vexation and Presidential Decree 1727, also known as the Bomb Joke Law.
She is detained at NAIA Police Station 3, with criminal complaints being prepared against her.
PNP Aviation Security Group Director BGen. Dionisio B. Bartolome Jr. reminded the public that bomb jokes are treated as serious offenses and urged passengers to exercise caution with their words while inside airport facilities.*