A FEMALE passenger bound for Manila was arrested and told to leave the plane she was onboard at the Francisco Bangoy International Airport (Davao International Airport) after cracking a bomb joke on Sunday evening, January 29.
In a press release provided by the Philippine National Police Aviation Security Group, the arrest came after one of the airline's customer service reported the incident.
Based on the report, the passenger, whose name was not identified, allegedly uttered a bomb joke to one of the airline's flight attendants during the boarding process. This prompted duty personnel who received the report to respond and immediately arrest the passenger.
Aviation Security Unit-Davao (AVSEU-Davao) Chief PCol. Leo Ajero said the passengers had to disembark to give way to the Explosive Ordnance Disposal members to inspect all the baggage. Eventually, the unit declared that all baggage of outbound passengers was clear of any bombs or bomb materials.
AVSEU chief Anthony Aberin reminded passengers to refrain from making bomb jokes because it causes alarm and panic to the riding public.
"The AVSEGROUP along with airlines operators and airport authorities will not take this joke lightly. I sternly warn those who still do not understand the effect of "bomb jokes" to refrain from doing it. Otherwise, they will face the consequences of their action as we will strictly enforce laws and regulations in the interest of public safety," Aberin said.
The passenger will face charges for violation of Presidential Decree 1727, or the “Anti-Bomb Joke Law.”
Under the law, a person who utters a bomb joke at the airport may be penalized with a fine of over P40,000 and/or a jail term of more than five years, depending on the court’s decision.
The passenger was brought to Davao International Airport Police Station for investigation and temporarily detained at Panacan Relocation Police Sub-Station.
In a phone call interview, the AVSEU confirmed to SunStar Davao that charges were already filed before the Davao Prosecutor’s Office.
As for the background of the passenger, the AVSEU said that she is not a resident of Davao. RGL