MANILA, Philippines — Two travelers were prevented from boarding their flights after making a bomb joke at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 3 on Thursday night, the PNP Aviation Security Group (Avsegroup) reported Saturday.
The male passengers, scheduled for a flight to Taipei, were undergoing baggage check-in when airline ground personnel conducted standard security procedures.
When asked if their carry-on bags contained prohibited items, the passengers reportedly laughed and joked, "It's okay, wala namang bomba dyan (It's okay, there isn't a bomb there)."
Following standard emergency protocols, airline employees reported the incident to the Avsegroup, which deployed an Explosive Ordnance Disposal team, and a K9 unit.
After a thorough inspection, aviation police declared the luggage clear of any explosive or incendiary materials.
The two travelers were later escorted to the NAIA Police Station 3 for documentation.
While airline management declined to pursue criminal charges and executed an Affidavit of Non-Formal Complaint, the passengers were still offloaded from their flight and advised to rebook with a different carrier.
PBGen. Dionisio B. Bartolome Jr., Avsegroup director, reminded the public that bomb jokes cause unnecessary alarm, disrupt airport operations, and compromise aviation security.
The incident comes after a female passenger bound for Bangkok, Thailand, was also offloaded last Tuesday for making a bomb joke.