Firearm component confiscated from passenger at NAIA Terminal 2, says OTS

A part of a firearm was intercepted at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 2 on Tuesday, according to the Office for Transportation Security (OTS).

The component, the OTS said in a statement, was confirmed to be the lower receiver of a firearm detected by Security Screening Officer (SSO) Erwin Gonzales who was handling X-ray screenings of passenger bags.

Gonzales called the attention of baggage inspector SSO Bernard Dela Cruz and Checkpoint Supervisor Narcisus Ramil Taquiqui and sought for assistance from the Philippine National Police Aviation Security Group (PNP AVSEGROUP).

The owner of the bag, who was bound for Butuan, was present during baggage inspection together with an airline representative, and law enforcers.

"For his failure to present appropriate license and permit, he was denied boarding by the PNP AVSEGROUP and was subjected to further questioning," the OTS said.

"OTS Administrator Undersecretary Gilberto Cruz thanked the PNP for their prompt response, and reminded the public to refrain from bringing and concealing undocumented and illegal firearm in transportation hubs as this will be detected by highly trained OTS personnel," the agency added. — BAP, GMA Integrated News