An American tourist might not be aware that all bags are still subject to security screening despite the absence of initial security (x-ray machines) at the departure area of Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA).
In a recent report from the Philippine National Police - Aviation Security Unit (PNP-AVSEU), James Wideman Cooper, 60, was apprehended at NAIA Terminal 3 after aviation police were informed that he was carrying a 9mm Springfield pistol. The incident occurred on October 11.
Reports state that personnel from the Office for Transportation Security (OTS), who were manning the Hold Baggage Area of the terminal, noticed that Cooper's bag, when it was placed on the x-ray scanner, appeared to contain an image resembling a gun.
The OTS said that all bags are brought to the Hold Baggage Area for security screening before being loaded onto the plane.
In December 2022, the Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) removed the initial security screening (x-ray machines) at the terminal entrances of NAIA. This measure was intended to eliminate queues outside the terminals, making passengers' travel smoother and faster. The move was done in coordination and consultation with airport security, airlines, and various stakeholders.
Cooper, a retired truck driver in Florida, United States, is a passenger of Cebu Pacific flight 5J659 bound for Tacloban. He also violated Republic Act 10591 in relation to Omnibus Election Code (Comelec Gun Ban).
The aviation police at the NAIA Police Station 3 (NPS3), meantime, had requested for the transfer of the foreigner from its station for "temporary use of MPSU Custodial Facility due to the absence of a Custodial Facility within the station."
The NPS3 police assured that it will provide all the necessary security measures at the MPSU Custodial Facility and "look into the needs of our detainee until further notice from the court ordering the transfer and or release of the said detainee."
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