6-10-2023 (MANILA) The recent anonymous bomb threat that prompted heightened security measures at commercial airports across the Philippines is likely a hoax, according to the chief of aviation police. On Friday, authorities ordered increased security at 42 airports nationwide after receiving an anonymous email warning of potential plane explosions on flights departing from Manila to various tourist destinations.
Despite the security alert, Manila’s main international airport and the country’s two largest airlines operated normally, with no expected flight delays, according to Transport Minister Jaime Bautista.
Immediate enhanced security measures were implemented at Manila terminals, including the deployment of additional police and canine patrols. Authorities stressed that the threat was still being verified.
The Civil Aviation Authority (CAAP) disclosed that security at airports had been heightened in response to bomb threats. Air traffic services received an anonymous email indicating a threat to flights from Manila to Davao, Bicol, and the tourist regions of Palawan and Cebu.
In a memo dated October 4 but released to the media on Friday, the CAAP referred to a screenshot of the emailed threat, which did not explicitly mention a bomb but warned of an airplane explosion at Manila’s international airport, urging people to be cautious. The email also mentioned potential attacks in Cebu, Palawan, Bicol, and Davao.
Cebu, one of the region’s popular beach destinations, welcomed over 1 million domestic and foreign travellers last year, while Bicol in central Philippines received nearly 5 million visitors, according to the tourism department.
Aviation police chief Jack Wanky confirmed that the threat was received on Wednesday at around 8 a.m., but he expressed skepticism about its credibility. “It’s most likely a hoax. Nothing is happening,” he stated, assuring that airport operations were proceeding normally.
The email threat was initially received by a regional airport in Bicol, which subsequently alerted the police in the National Capital Region. Australian business traveller Kevin Beachley, departing from Manila on Friday, dismissed concerns, considering it a simple way to cause trouble without actual intent. However, Philippine citizen Joy Nequinto expressed some unease about airport security in Manila, stating, “Our security is not that safe, especially in Manila. I do love the Philippines, but sometimes I feel scared at the airport.”
While a source at Philippine Airlines confirmed that operations were continuing as usual, an anonymous spokesperson at Cebu Pacific Air stated that the airline was following standard protocols and assured the public of their safety and security during travel.
Transport Minister Jaime Bautista released a statement emphasizing that scheduled flights would not be affected, and protocols were in place to ensure the well-being of passengers.
