More travelers have been caught attempting to carry firearms and ammunition at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) and other major airports in the country, despite the ongoing gun ban and multiple warnings about the risks associated with bringing prohibited items.
Since January, airport authorities have confiscated over half a million firearms and other security-prohibited items.
According to the Office for Transportation Security (OTS), these items were intercepted during routine security screenings, which are part of their mandate to prevent the introduction of items that could be used for malicious purposes, including hijacking attempts and acts of unlawful interference.
The OTS has reminded travelers that the gun ban imposed by the Commission on Elections remains in effect until June 12.
Airport authorities recently intercepted a Japanese national at NAIA Terminal 1 after he was found carrying a gun in his baggage. The foreigner was scheduled to fly to Kansai on Philippine Airlines flight PR-408 when a screening officer noticed a suspicious image of a firearm on the X-ray monitor.
A departing passenger at Tacloban Airport was also found carrying a gun replica, specifically a Heckler & Koch MP5 firearm complete with a magazine in his baggage.
Both passengers were taken into police custody and were subsequently charged with criminal offenses in court.
Some of the passengers apprehended with firearms and ammunition are either members of the police or military. Additionally, some have used live ammunition and empty shells as souvenirs, necklaces, talismans, or amulets.
The Manila International Airport Authority has been alerting air travelers about the dangers of bringing banned items to the airport: “Doing so will not only delay your flight but could also cause panic among other passengers.”
OTS Administrator Arthur Busnar noted that, aside from firearms, seized items include firearm components, sharp objects, flammable liquids, and incendiary devices.