Foreigner arrested for making bomb joke at Dipolog Airport

| PHOTO: Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines

MANILA, Philippines — A foreign national was taken into custody by local authorities after making a bomb joke at Dipolog Airport in Zamboanga del Norte on Wednesday, the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (Caap) said.

The incident occurred at 5:55 a.m. when the airport staff asked the foreigner about the items inside his check-in baggage.

He replied, “No! Just atomic bomb,” before retracting his statement and clarifying, “I was only joking,” said Caap, quoting the foreigner.

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The foreigner and his wife were supposed to board flight PR2558 bound for Manila.

“As a precaution, airline staff approached security to report the incident. When questioned by security, he stated that his luggage only contained personal items and promptly apologized for his earlier remarks,” Caap said.

The station head also temporarily suspended their check-in process and baggage handling because of the incident.

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The foreigner and his wife did not proceed with their trip as they were taken into custody by the Philippine National Police Aviation Security Group.

Caap then reminded passengers that bomb jokes are not allowed inside airport premises.

“A bomb joke not only inconveniences passengers but also disrupts airline and airport operations. Such actions could lead to travel disruptions and legal consequences,” Area Manager Center 9 Edwin Luching said, as quoted in the statement.

Under Presidential Decree No. 1727, bomb jokes are punishable by imprisonment of not more than five years, or a fine of not more than P40,000.