By Ma. Cristina Arayata
MANILA – A loaded firearm was intercepted from an outbound passenger at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 1 on Wednesday.
In a social media post, the Office for Transportation Security (OTS) said the firearm was detected on the X-ray monitor.
Upon manual checking, an unknown caliber pistol loaded with seven pieces of ammunition was found in the baggage of the passenger bound for Japan.
The prohibited item was turned over to the Philippine National Police Aviation Security Group, and the passenger was endorsed for their proper disposition and further investigation, the OTS said.
Bringing in guns and firearms at the airport is strictly prohibited while the election gun ban is in effect until June 11, the OTS added.
Japan, for instance, “prohibits the importation of handguns, military rifles, machine guns, guns and their ammunition and parts, and violation of which constitutes penalties of five years or less imprisonment, or a fine of up to 30 million yen, or both.” (PNA)
