Bomb joke disrupts flight at Bohol-Panglao airport

The Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) on Saturday said a bomb joke caused a flight disruption at the Bohol-Panglao International Airport.

In a statement, CAAP said that a passenger aboard Cebu Pacific flight 5J617 made a bomb joke upon landing at Bohol-Panglao airport at 11:20 a.m. on Saturday, March 22, “prompting immediate security measures.”

“A flight attendant overheard the remark made by two passengers, who were subsequently placed under police custody,” the agency said.

“Upon receiving information from tower personnel, the CAAP Security and Intelligence Service (CSIS) promptly responded to assess the situation,” it said.

CAAP said that the pilot requested the immediate clearance of the aircraft cabin and baggage for a thorough security inspection.

“By 12:43 p.m., authorities confirmed that the aircraft was free of any explosive threat. All passengers and crew members were declared safe, and the flight operations resumed without further incident,” the agency said.

CAAP reminded the public that making bomb jokes is a serious offense under Presidential Decree No. 1727, which strictly prohibits false bomb threats.

Violators may face imprisonment for not more than five years or a fine of up to P40,000.00.

“Passengers are urged to exercise caution and responsibility in their statements to uphold the safety and security of all travelers,” it said. —Ted Cordero/ VAL, GMA Integrated News