Manila: The Office for Transportation Security (OTS) on Monday reminded firearm owners to secure the necessary document and permit if they would like to transport the firearms through airports. The reminder came following Saturday's incident at the Puerto Princesa International Airport in Palawan where security screeners intercepted an undeclared and apparently undocumented caliber .38.

According to Philippine News Agency, the firearm was discovered inside a box checked in by a passenger bound for Cebu. During screening, the X-ray operator noticed a suspicious image resembling a firearm on the monitor. Manual baggage inspection was conducted to verify the contents.

The passenger failed to present the license and permit required to transport and carry a firearm, as mandated by law, OTS said. 'Paalala po natin sa lahat ng biyahero: kung magdadala po tayo ng baril, siguruhin po natin na mayroon tayong kaukulang dokumento at ito ay naka-declare sa PNP (Philippine National Police) Aviation Security Group bago pumasok ng airport (A reminder to travelers: if you are going to transport a firearm, make sure that it has proper documents and registered with the PNP AVSEGROUP before entering airports),' OTS Administrator Gilberto Cruz stated.

He added that passengers will be assisted in submitting the documents to the airlines for cargo handling. Meanwhile, the OTS said the passenger and the confiscated firearm were endorsed to the PNP AVSEGROUP for appropriate disposition and further investigation.