THE Philippine National Police (PNP) leadership has warned the public anew that making bomb jokes inside airports is a punishable offense and in most cases will automatically prevent the joker from taking his international or domestic flight.
Officials have time and again reminded the public that making bomb jokes, especially if it causes total panic, is punishable under Presidential Decree 1727 or the Bomb Joke/Threat Law and will be taken seriously by law enforcement officials assigned at the airports.
People are reminded to refrain from making jokes or comments that refer to bombs, explosives or any instruments of violence while at the airport or on board any flight.
Public cooperation on the matter is needed since bomb jokes usually delay flights for hours and cause unnecessary inconvenience to all travelers. At the same time, precious police man hours and resources are also being wasted as PNP K-9 and Explosives and Ordnance Disposal Teams are immediately sent to search for areas where the jokes are made.
Officials issued the renewed warning following a string of bomb joke incidents at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) which has prompted members of the PNP Aviation Security Group headed by Brigadier General Dionisio B. Bartolome Jr. to apprehend the suspects.
The PNP-ASG director reminded the citizenry that such remarks, even if intended as humor, are taken very seriously and may have legal consequences. He added that valuable police resources are spent to address bomb jokes instead of being used in other activities and operations where they are needed most.
In the latest incident last Friday night, a passenger at NAIA Terminal 3 allegedly made a bomb-related remark while undergoing routine baggage inspection.
Aviation security personnel immediately coordinated with the PNP AVSEGROUP Explosive Ordnance Disposal and K-9 Unit following the incident. The area was secured as a thorough inspection confirmed that no explosives or hazardous materials were present.
As a result of the incident which inconvenienced many, the passenger who made the joke was escorted for documentation and offloaded from the flight, with appropriate coordination with airline authorities.
PNP chief, General Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr. emphasized that making a bomb joke is against the law.
“Huwag po nating gawing biro ang bomb threats. Even a single statement can disrupt airport operations, cause panic, and put everyone at risk. The PNP will act promptly to ensure the safety of all passengers and personnel,” the top cop said.
Last January 26, another passenger on board a flight bound for Bacolod made a similar remark while placing her baggage in the overhead bin.
The cabin crew immediately reported the matter, activating airport security protocols.
The PNP AVSEGROUP, NAIA Police Station 3, and EOD units responded, and escorted the passenger for proper disposition after his baggage was cleared.
The accused passengers are now facing criminal complaints for violation of Article 287 of the Revised Penal Code (Unjust Vexation) and PD No. 1727 or the Anti-Bomb Joke Law.
“Airport security is a shared responsibility. Every passenger must be aware that joking about bombs is not only dangerous but also a criminal offense. Think before you joke—it could save lives and prevent serious legal consequences,” Gen. Nartatez said.
The PNP reminded the public that safe travel requires everyone’s cooperation. Passengers are urged never to make bomb-related remarks, whether in person or online, as even a joke can trigger emergency responses and endanger lives.
Travelers should also follow airport security instructions promptly, cooperate with authorities during inspections, and report any suspicious items or behavior they may notice, police said.
Adult persons found guilty of violating the Anti-Bomb Joke Law may be punished with imprisonment of not more than five years or a fine of not more than P40,000 or both upon the discretion of the court.
A child below the age of 15 does not have criminal liability under the Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act if he is the one who made the bomb joke although his parents will bear civil liability for his act.
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