Manila - Philippine airport police warned travellers Saturday that bomb jokes mean serious trouble after a man was arrested for making a joke while undergoing final security check at Manila's international airport. Chief Superintendent Atilano Morada said a total of 15 people have been arrested at various airports in the country since the ban against bomb jokes was implemented two years ago.
"The public should be reminded and warned that violating the law on false bomb threat is a crime punishable by up to five years imprisonment and a fine of up to 40,000 pesos (879.12 dollars)," he said.
Morada said a Filipino man was arrested late Friday for joking that his bags contained hand grenades while police officers were conducting security check on his luggage at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport.
The suspect, identified as 40-year-old Joe Laurente, was not allowed to take his flight to Kuwait and was detained at a nearby police station pending the filing of criminal case against him.
The ban on bomb jokes in Philippine airports was implemented in 2006 as part of intensified security measures to ensure the safety of passengers.
