More air travelers are carrying guns, bullets and other deadly weapons at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport despite the ban and numerous warnings about the risk of bringing in or carrying such prohibited items.
The latest apprehensions at the airport happened Monday morning when two departing passengers were caught—one carrying a .22-cal. pistol and one magazine loaded with six bullets, and another with a revolver, in Terminals 1 and 2.
Members of the Philippine National Police-Aviation Security Group immediately placed the 74-year-old Leandro Gatdula under arrest and interrogated him at their office in NAIA Terminal 1 after the incident.
Investigation showed that Gatdula, a resident of California, USA, was at the initial screening check when airport inspectors found the prohibited items inside his luggage.
It also showed that the passenger was scheduled to travel via Asiana Airline flight OZ 702 bound for Incheon, South Korea when he was intercepted by the authorities.
“The Avsegroup had Gatdula to undergo further investigation following protocol for violation of Republic Act 10591 or the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act,” said an officer of the Manila International Airport Authority-Media Affairs Division.
Another passenger, Jason Tobias, 34, who was about to board Philippine Airlines flight PR 658 bound to Dubai, was arrested after he was caught for carrying a revolver at the initial screening check at North Wing Terminal 2 of NAIA.
Four months ago, airport personnel also arrested Deogracias Pulmano caught in possession of a grenade at the initial screening area of NAIA Terminal 2.
Pulmano was scheduled to travel via Philippine Airlines flight PR-2819 bound for Davao when members of the Office for Transportation Security found the MK2 fragmentation grenade inside his backpack bag.
MIAA General Manager Eddie Monreal has been reminding air travelers about the danger of bringing in or carrying firearms and explosives at the airport. He urged the people not to bring firearms, explosives, ammunition, amulet and other prohibited items when traveling to avoid flight delays.
The airport authority chief also reminded travelers to secure documents, particularly a permit to transport from the Philippine National Police, when bringing guns and ammunition during their trips.
The Firearms and Explosives Office of the PNP is the police unit handling clearances for passengers who wish to bring guns and ammunition when traveling. The FEO will issue the passenger’s Permit to Transport, the basic requirement for a passenger to be allowed to bring a gun in-flight.
The said office also issues other related documents depending on the purpose of transport such as a License to Operate, Importation Permit, Authorization to Export, and a Certificate of Balance.
On the date of departure, coordination will be made by the FEO with the Avsegroup firearm facilitator deployed to the airport.
After approaching the police desk at the airport, the passenger will be accompanied by the facilitator to the Customs area for clearance before the passenger is checked-in for the flight.
Coordination is made with the proper authorities, including the Avsegroup and the OTS, in making sure that procedures are followed.
While the authorities are keeping to procedure, passengers should be diligent enough to inquire with their airline and the country of destination as to their own policies regarding the transport of guns and ammunition.
