MANILA: According to the aviation police chief, an unnamed bomb threat that caused the Philippines to issue heightened security alerts at all of its industrial airports is” most likely a hoax.”
After receiving an anonymous message threatening that flights leaving Manila for a number of tourist locations might blow, officials ordered 42 airports across the nation to increase safety.
Despite the notice, the country’s two largest airlines and its primary international airport, Manila, were running as usual, according to Transport Minister Jaime Bautista.
According to authorities,” immediate enhanced security steps” at airports included the deployment of additional police and canine inspections at Manila stations and the verification of the risk.
According to the Civil Aviation Authority( CAAP ), airport security was ordered to increase on Wednesday” following bomb threats.”
Additionally, an anonymous email about a menace to flights from Manila to Davao, Bicol, and the tourist destinations of Palawan and Cebu was received by air transportation companies.
The CAAP referred to a screenshot of the emailed threat, which did not contain the word” bomb” but instead said” an airplane will explode” at Manila’s international airport and” please beware ,” in an Oct. 4 memo that was made public on Friday.
The private email stated that Cebu, Palawan, Bicol, and Davao would also be hit.
According to the tourism ministry, Cebu, one of the most well-liked beach destinations in the area, saw more than 1 million domestic and foreign visitors last season, while Bicol, in central Philippines, received close to 5 million.
Jack Wanky, the captain of air law, confirmed that the danger was sent at around 8 a.m. on Wednesday, but he expressed skepticism about it.
” It’s probably a fake ,” I said. Everything is taking place, he said.
” Airport functions are ongoing, it’s regular.”
The internet was initially delivered to a local airport in Bicol. Similar information was received by officers in the National Capital Region, who then alerted air police.
Kevin Beachley, an American firm traveler leaving Manila on Friday, said he was unconcerned.
It’s simply a quick way to get into trouble without having to do anything more than phone someone, he claimed.
But, Spanish resident Joy Nequinto was more cautious.
” Specially in Manila, our safety is not that secure. Although I adore the Philippines, there are times when I get frightened at the airports.
Philippines Airlines was conducting” business as usual ,” according to a source who asked to remain anonymous because they were not authorized to speak with the internet.
Cebu Pacific Air was” following common procedures ,” according to a representative.
The transport secretary stated in a statement that there would be no anticipated effect to any scheduled planes and that procedures are in place to ensure one’s safety and security.