Bomb jokes aren't funny, CAAP reminds public after Tacloban incident

"A bomb joke is no joke."

 

This was the reminder of Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines deputy for operations Ret. B/Gen. Rodante Joya to the public after some flights at the Tacloban Airport were delayed over a bomb joke.

 

"Those jokes will be taken seriously," he said at a press conference on Thursday. "Paalala lang sa ating mga kababayan, let us all be responsible."

 

"Dalawang airplane ang nag-circle sa ere, muntik pang maubusan ng fuel. They cannot land dahil magkakatabi lang 'yong mga 'yon. Kung sumabog nga, pati sila madadamay," he added.

 

According to a CAAP press statement, a Manila-bound passenger, when asked about the contents of his luggage said: "Alangan namang granada."

 

However, the security personnel said he only heard "granada," and was alarmed and informed the pilot of the flight.

 

A separate CAAP report on the incident said the pilot then instructed all passengers to disembark from the plane, and requested police assistance.

 

Some flights were also diverted to Mactan International Airport in Cebu City, it added.

Under Presidential Decree 1727, which penalizes those who make bomb jokes, pranksters face imprisonment of up to five years and a fine of up to P40,000. — JDS, GMA News