An outbound passenger was apprehended at the Davao International Airport (Francisco Bangoy International Airport; DVO; RPMD) on 03 May 2024 after making a bomb joke while attempting to board a flight bound for Singapore.
The incident unfolded at Counter 8 of an airline check-in counter, where a 42-year-old man — slated to fly on flight TR361 — purportedly quipped, “Wala ni mabuak diri Ma’am, bomba lang, ay joke lang ma’am, sorry ma’am” (translated to “There are no fragile items inside Ma’am, only a bomb, joke only ma’am, sorry, ma’am”).
Upon hearing the alarming remark, the customer service agent initiated inquiries about the passenger’s luggage, as he was traveling with three others. Despite attempts to pass off the comment as a jest, airport security was alerted to investigate the matter.
Responding swiftly, the Davao International Airport Police Station (DIAPS) swiftly took action, detaining the individual for contravening Presidential Decree 1727, commonly referred to as the Anti-Bomb Joke Law.
Following protocols, the arrested individual underwent a medical examination at the Southern Philippines Medical Center before being transferred to the Sasa Police Station for temporary confinement. Authorities at the station are now preparing a case for the respondent’s impending inquest.
In light of this incident, the public is reminded of the stringent penalties outlined in Presidential Decree No. 1727, which can result in imprisonment for up to five years or a fine not exceeding PHP40,000.00 for making bomb jokes.