Former U.S. Navy man nabbed for gun ban violation

A 66-year-old retired US Navy serviceman was arrested Monday at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 3 after airguns were found in his luggage, violating the Commission on Elections (Comelec) gun ban.

The Taguig City resident was attempting to board a domestic flight when an X-ray inspection of his balikbayan box revealed the firearms.

A subsequent manual search uncovered two airguns for which he lacked proper documentation. The Philippine National Police-Aviation Security Group (PNP-AVSEGROUP) took the man into custody.

PNP-AVSEGROUP director Brig. Gen. Christopher M. Abecia reminded the public that the Comelec gun ban remains in effect.

“Imitation or replica of a firearm that substantially resembles the overall appearance of a real firearm is also prohibited,” Abecia said in a statement.

The election gun ban, imposed from 12 January to 11 June 2025, restricts firearm possession to authorized members of the PNP, Armed Forces of the Philippines, and other Comelec-deputized law enforcement agencies.

The suspect remains in police custody as charges are prepared.

In other developments, a passenger bound for Cebu was intercepted at NAIA Terminal 3 after suspected illegal drugs were discovered during a routine security screening.

According to a Tuesday statement from the Office for Transportation Security (OTS), a screening team flagged the passenger’s backpack around 10 p.m. An inspection revealed a black pouch containing a sachet of white crystalline substance and items believed to be drug paraphernalia.

The passenger, who was scheduled to board Cebu Pacific Flight 5J553, is now in the custody of the PNP-AVSEGROUP and the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency.

Charges are expected to be filed under Republic Act 9165, also known as the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002. OTS officials highlighted the importance of routine screenings in preventing such incidents.