Zamboanga International Airport (ZIA) on Saturday temporarily suspended operations due to a bomb threat.
The Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) responded to a reported bomb scare involving Cebu Pacific flight 5J851 from Manila that morning.
At around 8:20 a.m., a cabin crew member performing a routine inspection after passengers had disembarked found in one of the aircraft’s lavatories a note containing the message “may bomba” (there is a bomb).
The flight attendant immediately reported this discovery to ground security personnel, triggering the activation of established aviation security protocols.
The Aviation Security Unit conducted a thorough inspection of the aircraft, completing the process with no explosives found. As a precaution, a security check of the airport’s Passenger Terminal Building was also carried out.
The situation was later declared under control, with normal operations at Zamboanga International Airport resumed. All passengers were cleared for boarding, while flight activities continued without further disruption.
CAAP information officer Bea Bernardo said the agency is treating this incident as a serious security concern.
She reminded the public that bomb threats—whether made verbally, in writing, or through any other means—are punishable under Presidential Decree No. 1727, which criminalizes the malicious dissemination of false information regarding bombs or explosives.
CAAP emphasizes its commitment to public safety and the swift, effective response to aviation-related threats.
This is in line with the stringent directives of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon that aim to uphold the highest standards of aviation security and passenger protection across the country’s airports.