Manila: The Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) has issued a reminder to travelers to refrain from making bomb jokes, as all personnel have been placed on heightened alert across airports nationwide during the observance of All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day.
According to Philippines News Agency, CAAP spokesperson Eric Apolonio emphasized the seriousness of the issue during an interview on Bagong Pilipinas Ngayon. Apolonio cautioned, “Huwag kayong gagawa ng bomb joke sa loob ng terminal o sa loob ng eroplano dahil maraming mapiperhuwisyong pasahero,” highlighting the inconvenience caused to passengers.
Under Presidential Decree 1727, making bomb jokes or false bomb threats is classified as a criminal offense, carrying penalties of up to five years of imprisonment, a fine of up to PHP40,000, or both.
Apolonio further advised passengers to avoid bringing prohibited items to prevent delays, as CAAP anticipates 5.8 million travelers across 44 CAAP-operated commercial airports during the Undas holidays. “Sa ngayon po nakahanda na iyong ating 44 CAAP commercially operating airports at heightened alert na lahat ng mga empleyado at coordinated na rin sa mga airline partners natin na magdagdag sila ng mga empleyado during these times,” he added.
He assured that airport security personnel, medical teams, and fire responders are on standby to provide immediate assistance during emergencies. Furthermore, airlines are adjusting operations by deploying larger aircraft to busy routes to handle increased demand.
Caticlan, Kalibo, Busuanga, Surigao, and Zamboanga are expected to see the highest volume of passengers during Undas. The government’s Oplan Biyaheng Ayos Undas 2025 will be operational from Oct. 30 to Nov. 4 to ensure passenger safety and maintain efficient airport operations.
