Passenger caught with firearm at Laoag airport

A 63-year-old passenger was intercepted at Laoag International Airport early Friday morning, 21 March, after security personnel discovered a firearm and live ammunition in his baggage.

Authorities identified the passenger as Victorino Mariano Llanes, a resident of Calusa, Piddig, Ilocos Norte. Llanes was set to board Cebu Pacific flight 5J405 bound for Manila when security screening officers detected a suspicious item in his black backpack.

At approximately 5:35 AM, X-ray operator SSO Emy Rose P. Guinto noticed an image resembling a firearm during the final security screening. This prompted duty baggage inspector SSO Fernando John Clavel to conduct an immediate inspection, leading to the discovery of a .25 caliber Beretta pistol with serial number BAS18097V, along with one magazine and six live rounds of ammunition.

Duty PCMS Manuel V. Lorenzana arrested Llanes and informed him of his Miranda Rights before bringing him to the airport’s security office for proper documentation.

The suspect faces charges for violating Republic Act 10591 (Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act) in relation to COMELEC Resolution 10695, which regulates firearms during the election period.