A male flight passenger was offloaded by an airline and blacklisted from future flights after making a bomb joke during a security check at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3.
Reports said the passenger, bound for Singapore, was asked to identify the contents of his bag during a routine security screening at the terminal’s departure area on Saturday, December 20.
The passenger reportedly replied, “May dala akong granada.”
This prompted the Philippine National Police-Aviation Security Group (PNP AVESEGROUP) to inspect the passenger’s luggage for explosives.
The inspection found no bombs or incendiary materials.
Despite this, the airline decided to offload the passenger and blacklist him from future flights.
It also opted not to pursue a formal complaint against him.
Reports did not identify the airline involved.
Meanwhile, Police Brig. Gen. Dionisio Bartolome Jr., acting director of the PNP Aviation Security Group, reminded passengers that making bomb jokes is a criminal offense.
“Bomb-related jokes have no place in airport facilities. We maintain a zero-tolerance policy and will take immediate action to ensure the safety and security of all airport operations,” he said.
Making bomb jokes or false bomb threats is punishable under Presidential Decree 1727, carrying a fine of up to P40,000 and/or a prison sentence of up to five years.
“Think before you speak. Your ‘joke’ can have serious consequences,” the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines reminded travelers before.
The presidential decree states that such acts “pose a grave and positive danger to public safety and security.”
