PUERTO PRINCESA CITY, Palawan — A flight from Puerto Princesa to Manila was delayed today, 12 March, following a bomb joke incident. 

Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) Palawan Manager Mohammad Naga Rascal said two male passengers involved in the bomb joke were detained, causing the delay of Cebu Pacific flight 5J 646 from Puerto Princess International Airport to Manila.

He said airport police and civil security immediately conducted inspections and paneling at the departure area and on the aircraft to ensure passenger safety.

"Investigation was immediately conducted. Airport authorities conducted paneling and the Explosive Ordnance Disposal was also called," Rascal said.

No threats were found, and airport operations have since returned to normal, with passenger boarding resuming. 

The two detained men have been handed over to the police for appropriate legal action, including the filing of charges.

"The airport police will be the ones to handle the filing of charges against them," he stated.

Rascal also issued a warning against making bomb jokes, noting the severe consequences and disruptions they cause to airport operations and passenger schedules, as evidenced by today’s delay at Puerto Princesa International Airport.