A 65-year-old Filipino-Canadian was arrested by police on Friday after making a bomb joke during the check-in process at Ninoy Aquino International Airport-Terminal 1.
The passenger’s comment “Granada lang naman ang laman niyan” (only grenades are in there) prompted the airport staff and airline management to call the police, leading to the man’s arrest.
The suspect, whose name was withheld, is now in the custody of the Police Aviation Security Group and will face charges for violating Presidential Decree 1727.
The airport authorities urged the public to refrain from making any form of joke regarding bombs and explosives, as it has legal consequences.
Recently, the operation at Bicol International Airport (BIA) was suspended due to a bomb joke.
The incident affected 10 departing and arriving Cebu Pacific Air (CEB) flights, while a Philippine Airlines (PAL) flight going to Bicol was diverted back to Manila due to security protocols.
Investigation showed that a bomb note was found inside the plane’s lavatory. Its discovery resulted in the temporary closure of the runway as a precautionary measure, while passengers on the CEB flight were deplaned and directed to the arrival area for security inspection.
CEB management reminded its passengers that the airline strictly enforces the prohibition on bomb threats and jokes, and smoking and vaping in all its flights.
“Authorities are firm in their stance against bomb jokes and other intolerable behavior due to the potentially grave consequences it can lead to,” the airline said. They added that such actions “would be taken with the utmost seriousness and sensitivity as they may affect public order and safety.”
Violators of PD 1727 may face imprisonment of not more than five years, a fine of not more than P40,000, or both, at the discretion of the court.
PD 1727, signed by the late former President Ferdinand Marcos Sr. in 1980, declared unlawful and penalized the malicious dissemination of false information and the making of any threat concerning bombs, explosives, or any similar device or means of destruction.