Israeli passenger nabbed for gun parts possession

Airport police apprehended a 50-year-old Israeli national at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 3 on Thursday after security screening detected firearm components and live ammunition in his luggage.

The Philippine National Police-Aviation Security Group (PNP-AVSEGROUP) disclosed that an X-ray operator spotted an image resembling a firearm during routine screening, leading to the discovery.

Authorities recovered various firearm components from the passenger’s luggage, 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.

NAIA Terminal 3 police told DAILY TRIBUNE on Friday that the Israeli national claimed he purchased the firearm parts from a bystander in “Old Manila,” though he could not specify the exact location.

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

The suspect remains in the custody of airport police and faces charges for violating Republic Act 10591, also known as the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act.