Fil-Am heading back to US caught at NAIA with handgun in luggage

A Filipino-American was arrested Tuesday after being caught with a cal-.22 handgun in his luggage, moments before he was to board a plane for the United States.

 

The passenger, Ismael Bulatao, 59, was brought to the Pasay City police headquarters for questioning, radio dzBB reported on Wednesday.

 

Bulatao faces charges of illegal possession of firearms and violation of the ongoing Commission on Elections (Comelec) gun ban, the report said.

 

The initial investigation showed Bulatao was about to board a Korean Air flight to the US when Customs examiners at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) found the firearm in his luggage during a final security check.

 

The report said Bulatao admitted owning the firearm but forgot to remove it from his baggage.

 

Philippine authorities are enforcing an election gun ban that began on Jan. 13 and will last until June 12.

 

More than 300 violators have been arrested since the gun ban went into effect. - VVP, GMA News