Cauayan Airport employee arrested over bomb joke

An employee of the Cauayan Airport in Isabela province was arrested after making a bomb joke, the Philippine National Police Aviation Security Group (PNP-AVSEGROUP) said.

The police said the employee made the joke while entering the airport last July 24.

"The suspect allegedly made a bomb joke while entering the airport, claiming there was a bomb inside the rear compartment of his vehicle. The remark immediately prompted airport authorities to implement standard aviation security protocols," the PNP-AVSEGROUP said.

Personnel of the PNP-AVSEGROUP and the PNP Explosive Ordinance Disposal and K9 units immediately conducted an inspection of the employee's vehicles.

There were no explosive or hazardous items found.

"Despite the negative findings, the suspect was arrested for alleged violation of Presidential Decree No. 1727, otherwise known as the Anti-Bomb Joke Law. Authorities are processing the filing of appropriate charges against the suspect," the PNP-AVSEGROUP said. — BAP, GMA News