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Advocates Philippines
Authorities Identify Person Of Interest In Bomb Joke Incident At Bicol Airport
Photo courtesy from CAAP
Authorities have identified a person of interest in the recent 'bomb joke' incident that occurred at Bicol International Airport.
A piece of paper with the question "BOMB?" written on it was found inside an airplane restroom, causing a delay in the departure of Cebu Pacific Airlines flight 5J326 to Manila from Bicol.
The incident, which took place yesterday at 10:45 am, led to the temporary closure of the runway and the evacuation of approximately 130 passengers for security inspection, affecting 11 flights in total.
Airline crew members discovered the suspicious note, prompting immediate action from airport security. The affected plane was directed to an isolated aircraft parking position.
However, by 2:39 pm, authorities confirmed that it was indeed a hoax, allowing the plane to resume its journey. The incident is currently under investigation, with authorities examining CCTV footage to identify the person responsible for placing the note in the restroom.
"While the investigation is ongoing, there are individuals we consider as persons of interest, although we cannot disclose their identities at this point," stated Eric Apolonio CAAP spokesperson.
The Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) has issued a stern warning, emphasizing the serious consequences individuals face when making bomb threats.
According to Presidential Decree 1727, offenders could face imprisonment of up to five years and fines of up to 40,000 pesos. Under the Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020, those involved in bomb threats could face imprisonment of up to twelve years. The CAAP urges the public to be aware of these consequences and to refrain from engaging in such dangerous and illegal activities.
A piece of paper with the question "BOMB?" written on it was found inside an airplane restroom, causing a delay in the departure of Cebu Pacific Airlines flight 5J326 to Manila from Bicol.
The incident, which took place yesterday at 10:45 am, led to the temporary closure of the runway and the evacuation of approximately 130 passengers for security inspection, affecting 11 flights in total.
Airline crew members discovered the suspicious note, prompting immediate action from airport security. The affected plane was directed to an isolated aircraft parking position.
However, by 2:39 pm, authorities confirmed that it was indeed a hoax, allowing the plane to resume its journey. The incident is currently under investigation, with authorities examining CCTV footage to identify the person responsible for placing the note in the restroom.
"While the investigation is ongoing, there are individuals we consider as persons of interest, although we cannot disclose their identities at this point," stated Eric Apolonio CAAP spokesperson.
The Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) has issued a stern warning, emphasizing the serious consequences individuals face when making bomb threats.
According to Presidential Decree 1727, offenders could face imprisonment of up to five years and fines of up to 40,000 pesos. Under the Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020, those involved in bomb threats could face imprisonment of up to twelve years. The CAAP urges the public to be aware of these consequences and to refrain from engaging in such dangerous and illegal activities.
Oct 3, 2023
