Airport police seize grenade, knife at NAIA Terminal 1

An MK2 hand grenade and a knife seized from a certain Cipriano de Guzman on Thursday (May 28, 2015) at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 1. De Guzman’s case remains under investigation by the Aviation Security Group of the Philippine National Police (PNP-ASG). He will meanwhile be turned over to the Pasay City Fiscal Office for inquest procedures. (PNA photo courtesy of Manila International Airport Authority)

MANILA — Airport police seized an MK2 hand grenade and a knife from an American citizen at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 1 on Thursday morning.

According to the Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA), the items were found inside the backpack of Taiwan-bound Cipriano de Guzman who was supposed to fly via China Airlines flight CI702 but was immediately intercepted at the entrance.

His belongings were later subjected to inspection at the initial security screening checkpoint in the terminal.

MIAA general manager Jose Angel Honrado said that this incident shows the importance of security screenings at NAIA.

It is part of the airport protocol to let passengers go through security screenings at least twice in the terminals to make sure that prohibited items are seized prior to boarding.

“Passenger safety is always management’s priority,” Honrado said.” As such, passengers can be assured that security personnel are always vigilant while security equipment functioning.”

At present, de Guzman’s case remains under investigation by the Aviation Security Group of the Philippine National Police (PNP-ASG).

The PNP-ASG will turn de Guzman, who may face charges for illegal possession of explosives and bladed weapon, over to the Pasay City Fiscal Office for inquest procedures.