50-year-old Hong Kong-bound passenger arrested for joking "I have a bomb" at NAIA Terminal 1

50-year-old Hong Kong-bound passenger arrested for joking "I have a bomb" at NAIA Terminal 1

📌 On Tuesday, November 10, a 50-year-old male passenger bound for Hong Kong was arrested by police after joking that he had a bomb at the departure area of Terminal 1 at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) in Manila. A check of his luggage and the surrounding area turned up no explosives.

■ What happened
· Police said that while an airline employee was explaining the restrictions on carrying dangerous items and electronic devices, the passenger said, "Bomba, may bomba yan (Bomb, that has a bomb)" (GMA).
· The police Aviation Security Group (AVSEGROUP), together with the Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) team, inspected the luggage and the surrounding area, but found no explosives or flammable materials.

■ Investigation and current status
· The passenger was turned over to the airport police station, and charges are being prepared for violating the law against bomb jokes and under Article 287 of the Revised Penal Code (unjust vexation).
· The passenger's nationality has not been disclosed.
· Aviation Security Group chief Dionisio Bartolome Jr. said bomb jokes create unnecessary panic and disrupt airport operations, and that they will never be taken lightly.

■ Notice for residents and travelers
· At Philippine airports, you can be arrested for saying the word "bomb," even as a joke.
· Do not joke about dangerous items during security screening or check-in.

■ Sources
GMA (11/12), Manila Times (11/13)

■ Photos
· 1. Exterior of NAIA Terminal 1 — GMA News
· 2. File photo · Exterior of NAIA terminal — The Manila Times