'Bawal 'yan sa eroplano!' Lady passenger yields improvised gun at NAIA
(Photo: PNP Aviation Security Group)
A female passenger was barred from boarding her flight at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) after authorities allegedly discovered an undocumented improvised firearm in her luggage on Monday, July 7.
The passenger was bound to Cotabato City and was undergoing routine x-ray screening at the baggage make-up area of NAIA Terminal 2 when personnel of the Philippine National Police’s Aviation Security Group (PNP-AVSEGROUP) detected the plastic-wrapped gun that was concealed inside a tire interior in her check-in luggage.
A manual inspection revealed it was an improvised firearm capable of discharging caliber .22 ammunition, for which the passenger failed to produce a legal document.
Upon confirmation of the prohibited item, operatives of the PNP AVSEGROUP arrested the passenger for violation of Republic Act 10591 or the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act.
The passenger claimed that a relative asked her to bring the said item without elaborating.
The arrested passenger was placed under the custody of NAIA Police Station 2 for documentation and the preparation of appropriate charges.
“Our top priority is ensuring a safe and secure airport environment for all,” Police Brig. Gen. Jason L. Capoy, acting director of PNP AVSEGROUP, said.
“We call on everyone to strictly follow airport security measures, as we will not tolerate any act that endangers the safety and security of our passengers, personnel, and stakeholders,” he added.