Bomb threat disrupts airport operations in Zamboanga

Airport operations at Zamboanga International Airport were briefly suspended Saturday morning following a bomb threat on board a Cebu Pacific flight from Manila.

According to the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP), the threat was discovered around 8:20 AM after passengers disembarked from Flight 5J851. A cabin crew member conducting a routine inspection found a note inside the aircraft lavatory with the handwritten message, “May bomba” (There is a bomb) on a piece of tissue.

The incident triggered aviation security protocols, and the aircraft was immediately inspected by the Aviation Security Unit. A paneling operation was completed by 8:58 AM, and a similar inspection of the Passenger Terminal Building was also conducted. No explosives were found.

“By 8:59 AM, the situation was declared under control, and normal operations at Zamboanga International Airport resumed. All passengers were cleared for boarding, and flight activities continued without further disruption,” CAAP said. 

Authorities reminded the public that under Presidential Decree No. 1727, issuing bomb threats is a criminal offense punishable by law. CAAP stressed that such threats cause unnecessary panic and operational delays.