By Ma. Cristina Arayata
MANILA – The Philippine National Police (PNP) Aviation Security Group (AVSEGROUP) reminded the public anew on Monday that making bomb jokes is punishable by law.
The reminder comes as a man was arrested on Sunday for allegedly making a bomb joke while boarding a flight bound for Cebu via the Ninoy Aquino International Airport.
The man apparently “made a comment suggesting the presence of a grenade inside his bag as it was being stowed in the overhead bin,” the AVESEGROUP said in a news release.
A cabin crew member immediately reported the incident.
The AVSEGROUP and other responders, including the Airport Police Department (APD), conducted bomb detection procedures while the aircraft was isolated.
“Your words carry weight —what may seem like a harmless joke can trigger panic, disrupt operations, and endanger lives,” AVSEGROUP Director Brig. Gen. Christopher Abecia was quoted as saying.
Bomb threats are punishable under Presidential Decree No. 1727, or the Anti-Bomb Joke Law.
Meanwhile, no explosive or incendiary materials were found, and the aircraft was subsequently declared safe for departure.
The man is currently in the custody of the NAIA Police Station 3 for further legal proceedings, the AVSEGROUP said. (PNA)
