Cauayan Airport employee arrested over bomb joke

An employee of Cauayan Airport in Isabela was arrested after allegedly making a bomb joke while entering the airport, the Philippine National Police Aviation Security Group (PNP-AVSEGROUP) said.

The incident occurred on July 24 as the employee was entering the airport in his vehicle.

"The suspect allegedly made a bomb joke while entering the airport, claiming there was a bomb inside the rear compartment of his vehicle," the PNP-AVSEGROUP said.

"The remark immediately prompted airport authorities to implement standard aviation security protocols," it added.

Personnel from the PNP-AVSEGROUP and the PNP Explosive Ordnance Disposal and Canine Group immediately inspected the employee's vehicle.

No explosives or other hazardous items were found during the inspection.

"Despite the negative findings, the suspect was arrested for alleged violation of Presidential Decree No. 1727, otherwise known as the Anti-Bomb Joke Law," the PNP-AVSEGROUP said.

"Authorities are processing the filing of appropriate charges against the suspect," it added. — MCG, GMA News