Graphics by Eugenio Malinao
TACLOBAN CITY, Philippines—A 32-year-old male passenger was arrested by the Philippine National Police – Aviation Security Group (PNP-AVSEGROUP) following an alleged bomb joke during the boarding of his flight at Daniel Z. Romualdez Airport, Saturday, October 3.
The incident occurred while passengers were boarding an aircraft bound for Manila when a cabin crew member asked the passenger if he had a power bank in his bag. The passenger then responded that he had a bomb instead.
“Wala man, pero bomba. Joke,” the passenger allegedly answered.
The remark immediately raised concerns among other passengers, prompting PNP-AVSEGROUP personnel to respond and arrest the passenger.
Authorities from the Explosive Incident Response Team, Regional Explosive Canine Unit 8, and Special Operations Unit carried out a security sweep and K-9 inspection of the airport, finding no explosive or incendiary materials and subsequently declaring the area safe.
According to the PNP-AVSEGROUP, the suspect remains under the custody of the Tacloban Airport Police Station as authorities prepare a criminal complaint for alleged violation of Presidential Decree No. 1727, or the Anti-Bomb Joke Law, pending proper disposition.
Presidential Decree No. 1727 prohibits the malicious dissemination of false information or threats concerning bombs or explosives, particularly when such acts create public alarm or disrupt the operation of public utilities, transportation facilities, or other establishments. Violators may face imprisonment and a fine under the decree.
In a Facebook post of the PNP-Aviation Security Group, PNP-AVSEGROUP Director PBGEN Dionisio B. Bartolome Jr. emphasized that bomb jokes in airports are treated as potential security threats that warrant immediate response from authorities.
“Bomb jokes are treated as serious security concerns and that airport authorities will continue to respond swiftly to protect passengers and ensure aviation safety,” the post read.
Airport operations subsequently resumed normally after the security inspection was completed.
Article by James Magayon