Manila, Philippines – Cebu Pacific has issued a firm reminder to passengers that making bomb jokes or false security threats at airports is a criminal offense under Philippine law, punishable by up to five years in prison or fines reaching ₱40,000. The advisory follows a surge in disruptive incidents across major Philippine airports, including Zamboanga, Bohol, and Iloilo where false alarms caused flight delays, evacuations, and widespread panic.
Why False Threats Trigger Chaos
False bomb threats activate stringent security protocols: terminals are locked down, K-9 units deployed, and passengers subjected to re-screening. These measures often result in hours-long delays, cascading disruptions to flight schedules, and financial losses for airlines and travelers.
Presidential Decree No. 1727: Zero Tolerance
Enacted in 1980, Presidential Decree No. 1727 criminalizes acts that spread false information to incite public fear. Courts have applied the law rigorously in recent years, with offenders denied probation. A 2023 case saw a Cebu-based traveler jailed for six months after joking about explosives in their luggage.
Recent Incidents Fueling the Advisory
1. March 4 – Iloilo → Manila flight
- What happened: A passenger joked about a grenade in his bag while aboard a flight departing from Iloilo to Manila. Crew alerted authorities; 176 passengers were deplaned for security inspection.
- Outcome: The suspect was placed in custody; plane was K‑9 swept and declared clear. gmanetwork.com+15gmanetwork.com+15boholislandnews.com+15
2. March 22 – Cebu Pacific flight to Bohol–Panglao
- What happened: Two passengers joked they had a bomb in their luggage upon landing at Bohol–Panglao International Airport (Flight 5J617).
- Outcome: Cabin was evacuated, baggage inspected, no threat found. Both suspects taken into custody; flight resumed ~1 hr later. manilatimes.net+6gmanetwork.com+6cebudailynews.inquirer.net+6
3. May 25 – NAIA Terminal 3 (Cebu-bound flight)
- What happened: A 48‑year‑old male passenger said his bag contained a grenade while placing it in an overhead bin of Cebu‑bound flight 5J‑571.
- Outcome: Cabin crew alerted police; baggage was checked with K‑9 and manually. No explosives found. Suspect arrested for violating PD 1727. cebudailynews.inquirer.net+6philstar.com+6manilatimes.net+6
Guidelines for Passenger Cooperation
Cebu Pacific urges travelers to:
1. Avoid careless remarks about explosives, weapons, or threats—even in jest.
2. Report concerns discreetly to airline staff or security personnel.
3. Review luggage to ensure no prohibited items (e.g., replica weapons, power banks) are carried onboard.
The airline emphasized that safety and efficiency in air travel hinge on collective responsibility. Passengers are encouraged to stay informed about terminal protocols and allocate extra time for transfers.
Ilonggo Traveler 
Leave a comment