PORT OF BALINGOAN — On 22 Feb 2024, two (2) male passengers bound for 8AM trip to Benoni, Camiguin were interrogated by the TMO Balingoan security officials for a “bombing joke” during their baggage security inspection upon their entry at the Passenger Terminal Building. During the inspection, the said passengers declared that they had a bomb in their bags, which threatened the security of the port, prompting the security officials to act. Screeners of Commander Security Services, Inc. were quick to spot and warn the passengers identified as Carlito A. Awiten, 48 y.o. and Joliever G. Abatayo, 35 y.o, both residents of Sagay, Camiguin. The two were further subjected to body frisking and K-9 unit of PCG immediately conducted paneling of their belongings. Entry of other passengers was temporarily halted until inspection was finished. The bomb threat turned out to be just a joke by the said passengers.
The said incident was reported to the Balingoan Municipal Police Station (MPS), PCG, Philippine Army Intel Unit and PNP Maritime officials who respectively conducted their own verifications. The two were turned over to the Balingoan MPS for proper disposition and follow-up investigation. The said bag to have the false ‘bomb’ was also turned over to the Balingoan MPS.
Security and protection of passengers are the utmost priorities of the Balingoan Port. Incidences and pranks such as these are not taken lightly to ensure the safety of everyone. As such, security warnings against bomb joke are posted at conspicuous areas of the PTB’s entrance. Bomb joke is a violation of Presidential Decree No. 1727 declaring as unlawful the malicious dissemination of false information or the willful making of any threat concerning bombs, explosives or any similar device or means of destruction and imposing penalties therefor. If convicted, the punishment is imprisonment of not more than five (5) years, or a fine of not more than forty thousand pesos (₱40,000.00) or both at the discretion of the court having jurisdiction over the offense.
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