'Watusi' talk delays Bacolod-Manila flight

A flight bound for Manila from Bacolod-Silay Airport was interrupted after two passengers were heard talking about "watusi."

According to the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP), this occurred at 11:10 a.m. on Saturday, October 19, inside Cebu Pacific Flight 5J486. 

It was when a cabin crew member overheard a conversation of the two passengers, mentioning "watusi" which is a small firecracker.

“Oi, naubos na ba ‘yong watusi mo?” 

CAAP, however, said the passenger clarified that "watusi" is used to refer to a condom in the LGBTQ community language.

The cabin crew immediately reported the matter to the pilot-in-command, who then informed Cebu Pacific management.

Biyahe ng isang eroplano papuntang Maynila, bahagyang naantala matapos akalaing may bitbit na paputok ang 2 pasahero sa Bacolod-Silay International Airport, ayon sa CAAP. pic.twitter.com/GTLVzLbYwB

— DZBB Super Radyo (@dzbb) October 19, 2024

"As a precaution, the airline made the decision to deplane all passengers and cargo for a K9 bomb-sniffing inspection and security paneling," said CAAP. 

The team conducted a thorough inspection of all luggage, hand-carry items, and the aircraft cabin.

At around 1:00 p.m., the Cebu Pacific Flight 5J486 was cleared and departed for Manila without further incident.

Meanwhile, the two passengers were helped by Cebu Pacific Bacolod staff to rebook on Flight 5J488.

—Sherylin Untalan/ VAL, GMA Integrated News