The Bureau of Immigration (BI) on Thursday, May 2, warned foreigners againts making "bomb jokes" that will lead to their deportation or denial of entry to the Philippines.
"We urge all foreign nationals to exercise caution and refrain from making any statements or jokes that could be deemed as threats to security," Commissioner Norman Tansingco said in a statement.
“Our country remains hospitable to foreigners, but for only those who follow our laws,” he said.
Presidential Decree No, 1727 provides that "the State shall ensure the protection of the public from the unnecessary yet damaging effects to life and property of malicious and wilful dissemination of false information on the presence or threats of bombs, explosives, or any life-threatening and destructive materials."
Violation of PD 1727 is punishable with a prison term or fine or both.
The BI issued the warning after Japan-bound Philippine Airlines (PAL) flight PR412 got delayed for five hours from its scheduled flight at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 1 last Wednesday, May 1.
It said PAL's flight was put on hold after “airport authorities received a bomb threat call from an unidentified woman.”
“Passengers were promptly evacuated, and the plane underwent thorough security checks before being cleared for departure,” it said.
BI did not say if the bomb threat came from a foreigner.