The Philippine National Police Aviation Security Group (PNP-AVSEGROUP) reported on Tuesday afternoon that a departing passenger was arrested last 3 February at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 2 after Office for Transportation Security (OTS) screening personnel discovered a firearm and live ammunition in his carry-on baggage.

An OTS X-ray operator noticed a suspicious image of a gun and ammo inside a black backpack during regular screening at the Final Security Checkpoint at NAIA Terminal 2 which is in adherence to the strict implementation of the election gun ban at all airports nationwide.

Authorities said that a 49-year-old pilot from Cagayan de Oro City was supposed to board a flight bound for Cagayan de Oro when the bag was found. Subsequently, airport authorities intercepted him.

A .22 caliber revolver with four rounds of ammunition and seven more rounds of .22mm ammunition in a clear plastic container was discovered during a manual inspection of the bag in the passenger’s presence.

He failed to present any legal documentation for the firearm and ammunition.

The seized firearm and ammunition were turned over to NAIA PS 2’s Investigation Section, where the passenger is being held pending the filing of proper criminal charges against him for violating the Omnibus Election Code and Republic Act 10591 (Comprehensive Firearms and Regulation Act).

“We will continue to use rigorous procedures to detect and prevent any threats to aviation security. The officers of the PNP AVSEGROUP remain vigilant in enforcing all applicable laws and regulations related to air travel safety,” said PBGen Christopher M. Abecia of the PNP-AVSEGROUP.