Two travelers were placed under police custody after making a bomb joke that caused a delay to a Manila-bound flight from the Bacolod-Silay Airport.
According to initial reports from the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP), during the final passenger count for Cebu Pacific flight 9CEB around 10:56 a.m. on Saturday, two individuals, Reynaldo Aleroso and Ernesto Erise, were overheard making a bomb joke.
Engr. Eusebio Monserate of CAAP Area Center 6 Manager stated that personnel from the Philippine National Police Aviation Security Group (PNP-Avsegroup) and its Explosive Ordnance Disposal unit responded to check to ensure the safety of passengers and flight crew.
“All passengers were deplaned for a thorough security inspection, and the airline provided light snacks while waiting,” he said.
After a comprehensive security check and clearance, the CEB flight successfully departed from the airport at 1 p.m.
The public is reminded that bomb jokes are taken seriously and carry strict legal penalties. The two passengers involved are currently in custody of the PNP Avsegroup for further investigation.
The agency also reminded people to be wary of making bomb jokes and warned that making bomb jokes is punishable by up to five years imprisonment and a P40,000 fine, or both under Presidential Decree 1727 (Anti-Bomb Joke Law).
