Photo courtesy of PNP
A female passenger was arrested after allegedly making a bomb-related remark aboard a Manila-bound flight at the Daniel Z. Romualdez Airport in Tacloban City, police said.
The incident occurred on Aug. 31 after the passenger asked for help locating a laptop she had left at the airport’s departure area.
After the device was recovered and returned, the passenger was asked to open the laptop as part of the verification process, according to the Philippine National Police.
Police said the woman allegedly remarked that the laptop contained a bomb, prompting airport authorities to initiate security procedures.
Personnel of the PNP Aviation Security Group subsequently arrested the passenger and informed her of her constitutional rights.
Authorities continued to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident and did not disclose the passenger’s identity.
The PNP said it was preparing a complaint for possible violation of Presidential Decree No. 1727, which penalizes the malicious dissemination of false information or threats involving bombs and similar destructive devices.
PNP Chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. reminded passengers that bomb-related remarks can trigger security measures and disrupt airport operations, urging the public to exercise caution over statements involving potential security threats.