A 32-year-old man was arrested after allegedly making a bomb joke while aboard an aircraft at the Daniel Z. Romualdez Airport in Tacloban City on Oct. 1.
According to the PNP Aviation Security Group, passengers were boarding a Manila-bound flight when a cabin crew member asked the man if he had a power bank.
The passenger allegedly responded by saying that he had a bomb, but immediately took back the statement and said it was a joke.
The remark alarmed those who heard it and prompted authorities to respond.
A security sweep and K-9 inspection were conducted at the airport following the incident.
Authorities later declared the airport safe.
The passenger was arrested following the incident as authorities prepared a complaint for an alleged violation of Presidential Decree 1727, also known as the Anti-Bomb Joke Law.
The law covers bomb jokes and similar statements made in airports, aircraft and other areas covered by its provisions.
The incident occurred while passengers were boarding the flight to Manila.
The PNP Aviation Security Group responded after the alleged bomb statement caused concern among people at the airport.
Authorities conducted security procedures to check the area and ensure that there was no actual bomb threat.
Following the security sweep and K-9 inspection, the airport was declared safe.
The passenger now faces a complaint under Presidential Decree 1727 in connection with the alleged statement.
Authorities continue to process the case based on the incident at the Tacloban airport.
The PNP Aviation Security Group reminded that statements involving bombs can trigger security responses, even when later claimed to be jokes.
