Bomb joke stops Palawan-bound airplane about to take off in NAIA

MANILA, Philippines—An airplane that was getting ready for take-off—not shortly after take-off as earlier reported—at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Thursday was forced to return to Terminal 3 after a bomb joke, a Radyo Inquirer report said.

Air Philippines Express flight 2P943, bound for Puerto Princesa, Palawan, was making its way to the runway at about 2 p.m. when flight crew members overheard a group of young passengers joking about bombing the plane, the report said.

The pilot immediately notified airport security personnel and turned the plane back to the Terminal 3 of NAIA.

Security personnel with fire and medical emergency teams quickly responded to the aircraft and evacuated the passengers from the plane.

The group behind the joke are already being investigated, the report said.

Authorities repeatedly reminded the public that bomb jokes are against the law, especially if done in an airport or on board a plane, the report said.