Cabin crew finds bomb threat written on tissue paper in plane in Zamboanga

A bomb threat written on tissue paper was found inside a plane at the Zamboanga International Airport (ZIA) on the morning of June 14, the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines said.

According to CAAP's press release, a cabin crew member of Cebu Pacific flight 5J851 from Manila saw a note bearing the message "may bomba" at around 8:20 a.m. in the aircraft's lavatories while conducting a routine inspection following passenger disembarkation.

The cabin crew member immediately reported it to ground security, who conducted a thorough inspection of the plane.

No explosives were found. Aviation security also conducted paneling operations at ZIA's Passenger Terminal Building.

The situation was declared under control by 8:59 a.m., with normal operations at the airport resumed.

"CAAP is treating the incident as a serious security concern. The public is strongly reminded that bomb threats, whether made verbally, in writing, or through any other means are punishable under Presidential Decree No. 1727," the agency said.

According to Sec. 1 of the said Presidential Decree, any person who maliciously disseminates false information concerning bombs or explosives shall, upon conviction, be punished with imprisonment of not more than five years or a fine of not more than P40,000, or both at the discretion of the court having jurisdiction over the offense.

The offender shall also be arrested and shall not be entitled to bail pending trial by military tribunal or military courts