A 62-year-old man was arrested by operatives from the Philippine National Police Aviation Security Group (PNP-AVSEGROUP) at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 3 last Tuesday for carrying a gun with live ammunition in his hand-carried black backpack, a violation of the Omnibus Election Code.

According to the PNP-AVSEGROUP, the detained passenger is a retired lawyer from Tarlac traveling to Cebu.

The PNP-AVSEGROUP said that during a routine security check at the OTS Final Security Screening Checkpoint, an X-ray operator discovered a .45 caliber revolver and 15 rounds of live ammunition in the suspect’s backpack.

Airport authorities confirmed the discovery through a manual inspection.

The suspect was immediately arrested by NAIA Police Station 3 staff. The operation was conducted in accordance with airport regulations and the requirement to use body-worn cameras.

The arrested passenger is currently in the custody of NPS3, pending the filing of charges for violation of Commission on Elections Resolution 11067 concerning the Omnibus Election Code and Republic Act 10591 (Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act).

PNP AVSEGROUP director PBGen. Christopher M. Abecia urged the public to strictly adhere to the enhanced election security protocols.

He added that the incident underscores the importance of vigilance in maintaining the safety and security of all travelers at airports.