The Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) reiterated its appeal to air travelers to refrain from making bomb jokes or any comments referencing explosives following an incident at Dipolog Airport on Wednesday that led to an arrest of one foreign national.
The male passenger, whose identity and nationality remains undisclosed pursuant to the Data Privacy Act of 2012 or Republic Act No. 10173, is now in the custody of the Philippine National Police – Aviation Security Group (PNP-Avsegroup) after making a bomb joke at the airport.
The incident occurred around 5:55 a.m. on Wednesday involving the foreigner and his wife, who were supposed to board Philippine Airlines flight PR-2558 bound for Manila.
When asked by airline staff about items in his check-in baggage, the passenger initially responded, “No! Just Atomic Bomb,” before retracting his statement and stating that he was only joking.
As a precautionary measure, airline staff approached security to report the incident while the passenger clarified that his luggage contained only personal items and apologized for his earlier remarks.
The station head temporarily suspended their check-in process and baggage handling to report the incident to the police.
CAAP Area Manager Edwin Luching said that the couple did not proceed with their trip as they were taken into custody by the PNP Avsegroup.
“A bomb joke not only inconveniences passengers but also disrupts airline and airport operations. Such actions could lead to travel disruptions and legal consequences,” he warned.
CAAP reminded the public that making bomb jokes is punishable by up to five years imprisonment and a fine of P40,000, or both, under Presidential Decree 1727 (Anti-Bomb Joke Law).
CAAP information officer Karen Villanda stated that PNP Avsegroup will file a case against the passenger involved and noted that no flights were affected by the incident.
“No flight was delayed, but the foreigner and his wife were not able to board because they had to be taken to PNP custody.”