The PNP-Aviation Security Group at the NAIA Terminal 3 arrested a departing passenger for violation of the Omnibus Election Code in relation to the COMELEC gun ban.
PNP-AVSEGROUP Director PBGen Christopher Abecia reminded the public that the COMELEC gun ban remains in effect, adding that possession and transport of firearms or similar weapons without authorization during the election period is prohibited.
“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 stressed.
Abecia said 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.
A manual inspection was conducted and authorities found two air guns without the necessary documents.
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.
