Police arrested a foreigner after making a bomb joke while on board a flight Tuesday night at Laguindingan Airport in Misamis Oriental.
Airport Manager Job De Jesus stated that Cebgo flight DG 6723 from Cebu, carrying 73 passengers had already landed.
During the disembarkation process, a US citizen stood up to retrieve his baggage and made a threatening remark “I can shoot you all, and I can trigger the bomb.”
Members of the Police-Aviation Security Unit and CAAP Security and Intelligence Unit immediately responded and conducted K9 paneling and checked all passengers’ baggage, but all of which showed no indication of bombs.
The suspect, who was interrogated by PNP-AVSEU, is currently detained at the PNP headquarters of Laguindingan Airport and is set to face the appropriate charges.
De Jesus reminded air travelers about the inconvenience caused by making bomb jokes, “We consistently emphasize to passengers and airport users that joking or making bomb jokes at the airport or on an airplane is strictly prohibited. Anyone caught will face serious charges, including corresponding penalties and imprisonment.”
Presidential Decree No. 1727 punishes bomb jokes with a penalty of imprisonment of not more than five years, or a fine, or not more than P40,000.00).
Last month, the Police Aviation Security Group and major airlines in Manila launched an information campaign to remind the public about the risks of making bomb threats or jokes while at the airport or onboard an aircraft.
Such behavior, according to the police, cannot only affect the flight but also other flights, impacting airline operations and potentially leading to flight cancellations and delays in airport security aircraft arrivals and departures.
The local carriers have advised the public to be mindful of their words and actions, especially in sensitive areas such as airport terminals and onboard aircraft.
Steve Dailisan, AirAsia Philippines Communications, and Public Affairs Country head, has also emphasized that there’s no excuse for cracking a bomb joke on the ground or in flight as it immediately raises the alarm among personnel and can cause discomfort among other guests.
“Not only does it cause trouble, but it may also traumatize first-time travelers,” he said.
The Philippine National Police recorded eight bomb jokes in 2023, and in January this year, it received three incidents in different locations, including the airport in the provinces.