Airsoft-carrying passenger arrested at NAIA

The Philippine National Police Aviation Security Group (PNP-AVSEGROUP) reported on Thursday that a 38-year-old Tunisian national was arrested at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 1 in Pasay City after airport authorities discovered an airsoft gun in his possession.

According to the PNP-AVSEGROUP, toy guns and their replicas, such as airsoft guns, are also prohibited from being carried throughout the election period from 12 January to 11 June 2025, per Comelec Resolution 11067.

Reports said that during a routine security check before boarding, an X-ray operator detected an image resembling a firearm, and PNP-AVSEGROUP personnel were immediately notified.

A manual inspection conducted in the passenger’s presence confirmed the item to be a battery-operated airsoft gun with 3,000 pellets.

The foreign traveler was taken into custody for violating the Omnibus Election Code, in connection with Comelec Resolution 11067 and the seized items and the passenger are now under the custody of the PNP-AVSEGROUP NCR, pending the filing of charges.

PNP-AVSEGROUP director Brig. Gen. Christopher M. Abecia reminded the public that violating the 2025 Election Gun Ban is a serious offense that can lead to arrest and have lasting consequences on record.

“We urge everyone to take this matter seriously and cooperate with authorities as we enforce Comelec Resolution 11067 to ensure a peaceful election process,” Abecia said.