Bomb joke graphics by Bernard Esguerra / INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines — A male passenger at the Davao International Airport is facing charges after making a bomb joke at the airport’s check-in counter, said the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) on Monday.
According to CAAP in a statement, the 42-year-old passenger was arrested on Friday, May 3, when he joked about his baggage containing a bomb while preparing to board a flight to Singapore.
“There are no fragile items inside, Ma’am, only a bomb. Joke only, ma’am, sorry, ma’am,” the passenger reportedly said in his native language.
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The customer service agent proceeded to inquire about the passenger’s baggage and alerted the Davao International Airport Police Station.
Authorities then intervened and arrested the passenger for violating Presidential Decree 1727, also known as the Anti-Bomb Joke Law.
“The arrested individual was taken to the Southern Philippines Medical Center for a medical examination and subsequently transferred to the Sasa Police Station for temporary detention,” CAAP said.
“The station is currently preparing a case for the violation of the Anti-Bomb Joke Law for the respondent’s inquest,” it added.
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CAAP reminded the public that under Presidential Decree No. 1727, those apprehended for bomb jokes may face a penalty of imprisonment for not more than five years or a fine of not more than P40,000.