A 50-year-old Israeli national was apprehended by airport police on Thursday after firearm components and live ammunition were discovered in his luggage at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 3. 

In a statement Thursday evening, the Philippine National Police - Aviation Security Group (PNP-AVSEGROUP) said the disassembled firearm parts were detected during routine screening when an x-ray operator spotted an image resembling a firearm,

Recovered from the passenger’s luggage were various firearm components, including parts of a 5.56mm rifle, a .22 caliber revolver frame and cylinder, a .45 caliber magazine, and multiple boxes of live ammunition.

The suspect reportedly failed to present legal documents authorizing the possession and transport of the items when questioned by authorities.

In an interview with DAILY TRIBUNE on Friday, Terminal 3 police said the Israeli national had purchased the firearm parts from a bystander who offered them in Old Manila, though he was unable to point out the specific location.

PNP-AVSEGROUP identified the individual as a defense consultant and military reservist from Jerusalem en route to Dubai with a connecting flight to Tel Aviv. 

The suspect remains under the custody of airport police pending the filing of charges for  violating Republic Act 10591 or the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act.