A departing passenger was arrested by the PNP Aviation Security Group at NAIA Terminal 3 for violation of the Omnibus Election Code in relation to the COMELEC Gun Ban.
The 66-year-old male passenger, a retired U.S. Navy serviceman and resident of Taguig City, was scheduled to board a domestic flight on June 9 when he was flagged down by the airport screening personnel because an image resembling a firearm was shown during X-ray screening of his brown balikbayan box.
Subsequently, they conducted a manual inspection and found two air guns without the necessary documents. Possession and transport of firearms or similar weapons without authorization during the election period is prohibited.
PNP AVSEGROUP personnel arrested the passenger and apprised him of his constitutional rights. The arrest was recorded using an Alternative Recording Device (ARD), in compliance with Supreme Court rules.
PNP-AVSEGROUP Director PBGen Christopher M. Abecia reminds the public that the COMELEC gun ban remains in effect.
“Imitation or replica of a firearm that substantially resembles the overall appearance of a real firearm is also prohibited. Violators will be arrested and prosecuted accordingly,” he said.
