A BOMB joke made inside an aircraft disrupted the operations at the Bohol-Panglao International Airport yesterday, March 22, past 11 a.m.
Two passengers were overheard by a flight attendant of Cebu Pacific flight 5J617 of the alleged bomb joke remark.
The two passengers were subsequently placed under police custody.
The CAAP Security and Intelligence Service (CSIS), upon receiving information from tower personnel, promptly responded to assess the situation.
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 flight operations resumed without further incident.
The Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) reminded the public that making bomb jokes is a serious offense punishable under Presidential Decree No. 1727.
The law strictly prohibits false bomb threats. Violators may face imprisonment for not more than five years or a fine of up to P40,000.
The CAAP urged passengers to exercise caution and responsibility in their statements to uphold the safety and security of all travelers. (with reports from Calvin Cordova)
