American faces raps for bomb joke at Laguindingan Airport

An American national is facing charges for cracking a bomb joke while on board a plane at the Laguindingan Airport in Laguindingan, Misamis Oriental on Tuesday evening, February 20, 2024.

He was also detained following the incident. 

The Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) said the American citizen was among the 73 passengers of Flight DG 6723 from Mactan, Cebu.

In a statement, Laguindingan Airport Manager Job De Jesus said the American citizen allegedly made a threatening remark by saying “I can shoot you all, and I can trigger the bomb” during the disembarking process after landing at the airport.

Personnel of the PNP-Aviation Security Unit and CAAP Security and Intelligence Unit conducted K9 paneling and checked all passengers’ baggage after the incident was reported to them.

No indication of bombs was found during security inspection.

“We consistently emphasize to passengers and airport users that joking or making bomb jokes at the airport or on an airplane is strictly prohibited. Anyone caught will face serious charges, including corresponding penalties and imprisonment,” De Jesus said.

Airport authorities remind travelers that dropping bomb jokes is punishable under Presidential Decree No. 1727, and violators will face a penalty of imprisonment of not more than five years and will be made to pay a fine of not more than P40,000. —GMA Regional TV