Bomb threat at NAIA delays a flight to Japan

Airplanes at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (File photo from MARIANNE BERMUDEZ)

MANILA, Philippines — An alleged bomb threat delayed a flight of the Philippine Airlines (PAL) bound for Japan on Wednesday, the BI said on Thursday.

According to the BI in a statement, authorities at Ninoy Aquino International Airport received the bomb threat through a call from an unidentified person.

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The passengers were then evacuated while the airport personnel checked the PAL aircraft that was mentioned by the caller for any dangerous items before it was cleared for departure.

In a text message to INQUIRER.net, BI Spokesperson Dana Sandoval said there is no information whether the caller was a Filipino or a foreigner.

BI Commissioner Norman Tansingco reminded the passengers that bomb threats and jokes are serious and that foreigners who are proven to tell similar statements may be deported.

READ: 3 Chinese nationals nabbed for trying to slip past NAIA immigration

“Bomb jokes or any comments referencing explosives are not taken lightly, especially in sensitive environments like airports. Such actions can be construed as threats and may lead to exclusion or deportation if foreign nationals are involved,” Tansingco said.

“We urge all foreign nationals to exercise caution and refrain from making any statements or jokes that could be deemed as threats to security,” he added.