07/09/2026
30 ROUNDS OF .45-CALIBER AM******ON INTERCEPTED AT TACLOBAN AIRPORT
A 59-year-old male passenger was intercepted by personnel of the PNP Aviation Security Group (AVSEGROUP) after airport security screening led to the recovery of 30 rounds of live .45-caliber am******on and a magazine from his backpack at the Daniel Z. Romualdez Airport in Tacloban City.
The am******on was detected through the airport’s X-ray screening system as the passenger was preparing to board a flight to Manila. A subsequent manual inspection confirmed the presence of the am******on and magazine.
The passenger was unable to present the required documents authorizing the possession of the items and was taken into custody for possible violation of Republic Act No. 10591, or the Comprehensive Fi****ms and Am******on Regulation Act. The recovered items were secured and turned over to the appropriate PNP unit for proper disposition and documentation.
Chief PNP Police General Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr. said the incident demonstrates the importance of consistent security procedures, particularly in places where large numbers of people pass through every day.
“Security starts with doing the basics correctly and doing them every time. Sa airport, every screening matters because one careful check can prevent a potential problem from reaching the aircraft,” PGen Nartatez said.
He emphasized that the PNP will continue to support measures that keep airports and other vital facilities safe while ensuring that enforcement remains guided by law and due process.
The operation forms part of the PNP’s Focused Agenda, particularly under Enhanced Managing Police Operations, which promotes effective, responsive, and properly coordinated police action. It likewise supports the administration of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. in strengthening public safety and maintaining secure transportation hubs.
The PNP will continue to work with airport authorities and other partners to ensure that security measures are consistently observed, as it remains committed to delivering the “Bagong PNP para sa Bagong Pilipinas: Serbisyong Mabilis, Tapat at Nararamdaman” through responsible and effective police service.
(PNP-PIO)