A note containing a bomb threat caused 12 domestic flights delayed, the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) reported on Monday, October 2.
The CAAP said the note was found inside the lavatory of Cebu Pacific (CEB) flight 5J326, which scheduled to depart to Manila at 10:45 a.m. from Bicol International Airport (BIA).
CAAP spokesman Eric Apolonio said 5J326 crew requested security assistance from the PNP Aviation Security Group, and as a precautionary measure, BIA runway has been temporarily closed.
At least 10 CEB and two Philippine Airlines flights were briefly grounded after the PNP bomb disposal unit inspected the plane and passengers' luggage.
Passengers were safely deplaned and directed to proceed to the passenger arrival area for security inspection. The CAAP Security and Intelligence Service and Aviation Security Canine and Bomb Disposal Units personnel as well as the PNP Aviation Security Unit, conducted screening of lugggage and carry-on items for paneling.
Aplolonio added that investigations is ongoing and "updates will be provided as the situation develops."
According to BIA management, a total of 10 Cebu Pacific flights were affected —five arriving and five departing.
A Philippine Airlines flight en route to BIA at the time of the incident was diverted back to Manila in accordance with security protocols.
Meanwhile, the aviation regulator said normal airport operations have resumed at the BIA after flight 5J326 with 130 passengers boarded the plane bound for Manila.
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