DAVAO CITY —The Philippine Airlines flight PR412 bound for Japan was delayed for five hours on Wednesday after airport authorities received a bomb threat call from an unidentified woman.
The call prompted the airport security to evacuate all passengers and the plane underwent thorough security checks before being cleared for departure but it turned out to be a hoax.
The Bureau of Immigration did not specify however if the call was from a foreign but in a press statement released on Thursday the agency warned “Foreign nationals involved in bomb jokes may face denial of entry to the Philippines or deportation.”
No less than Immigration Commissioner Norman Tansingco warned “We urge all foreign nationals to exercise caution and refrain from making any statements or jokes that could be deemed as threats to security.”
“Bomb jokes or any comments referencing explosives are not taken lightly, especially in sensitive environments like airports. Such actions can be construed as threats and may lead to exclusion or deportation if foreign nationals are involved,” he added.
The BI reminded foreign nationals of their obligation to adhere to Philippine laws and regulations while in the country, lest be met with sanctions from them or local law enforcement agencies.
