PAL appeals to public to refrain from making bomb jokes

Philippine Airlines (PAL) on Friday appealed to the public to refrain from making bomb jokes while inside an airport or aboard an aircraft as these could panic other passengers.

"We appeal to all our passengers, in light of Presidential Decree No. 1727, to refrain from uttering statements which may cause undue concern, alarm and panic, and to comply with national laws and regulations that strictly prohibit 'bomb jokes' and similar comments at airports and aviation facilities," PAL said in a statement.

"PAL, the Philippine National Police (PNP) Aviation Security Group and civil aviation authorities do not take such utterances lightly, as the safety and security of our passengers are of paramount importance at all times."

The flag carrier made the appeal after APEC party-list Representative Sergio Dagooc was held briefly at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 2 for allegedly saying "bomba" when asked on the contents of his carry-on baggage, which exceeded the allowed 11 kilos.

"The incident involving Congressman Sergio Dagooc in the airport yesterday is most unfortunate," PAL said.

"We confirm that Congressman Sergio Dagooc checked in for his 3:50PM PR2525 flight for Cagayan de Oro yesterday (July 25, 2019). When the PAL check-in agent asked Congressman Dagooc regarding the contents of his luggage, he replied 'clothes' and was eventually asked what else is inside, to which he replied, 'bomba'."

The airline said that it endorsed Dagooc to the PNP Aviation Security Group for the filing of a complaint citing violation of Presidential Decree 1727 or the Anti-bomb Joke Law.

"However, the PNP Aviation Security Group released him from their custody at 10:48 PM citing article 6 Section 11 of the 1987 Constitution: 'A senator or member of the House of Representatives shall, be in all offenses punishable by not more than six years imprisonment, be privileged from arrest while the Congress in Session'," PAL explained. — John Ted Cordero/DVM, GMA News