A heated dispute over a reclined seat escalated into a physical altercation between two arriving passengers at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 1 early this morning.
The incident occurred on December 29, 2024, near baggage claim conveyor 6.
According to the Philippine National Police (PNP) Aviation Security Group, the altercation involved Kim Cary Temblique, a 34-year-old resident of Sta. Maria, Bulacan, and Anthony Asuncion, a 49-year-old from Manila.
The two men were passengers on a Philippine Airlines (PAL) flight from Vietnam.
Their dispute began onboard the aircraft when Temblique allegedly reclined his seat, causing a disagreement with Asuncion. The argument continued even after the plane landed, culminating in a brawl inside the terminal restroom.
Airport security personnel intervened to stop the fight as both men sustained bruises to their faces, heads, and bodies and were subsequently taken to the PNP Aviation Security Group for questioning. They also underwent medical checkups.
Witnesses reported that family members accompanying the two men were also involved in heated arguments.
The incident caused a disturbance among other passengers and disrupted the flow of traffic in the baggage claim area.
Authorities are currently investigating the incident and may file charges against both individuals involved.