The Office for Transportation Security (OTS) has reminded air passengers that firearms, pellet guns and replica firearms are subject to strict airport security rules and must be properly declared and supported by the required documents before entering airport premises.
The reminder follows the detection of a pellet gun in the checked baggage of a passenger bound for Zamboanga aboard Philippine Airlines flight PR 2993 at Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 2.
The item was detected during a routine X-ray screening, where it was identified as a suspected firearm in the passenger’s luggage. The checkpoint supervisor then coordinated with the Philippine National Police Aviation Security Group (PNP AVSEGROUP), the airline and the passenger.
A manual inspection, conducted with the passenger’s approval and in the passenger’s presence, confirmed that the item was a pellet gun. The PNP personnel on duty verified the item, with the inspection witnessed by airline security representatives.
OTS Administrator Undersecretary Gilberto DC Cruz urged travelers carrying firearms or firearm-like items to comply with security requirements before proceeding to check-in.
“Pellet guns and items that resemble firearms are subject to the same strict security protocols as actual firearms,” Cruz said.
Passengers carrying such items are advised to declare them at the PNP AVSEGROUP booth and present all required documents before checking in, the OTS said.
The agency said proper declaration and documentation can help prevent delays and unnecessary security concerns while ensuring the safety of passengers and airport personnel.
The OTS said the reminder supports the administration’s directive to maintain the safety, security and convenience of the country’s air travelers.
(PHOTO CREDIT: OTS Facebook page)