US citizen with grenade, knife nabbed at NAIA 1

MANILA, Philippines – Airport authorities nabbed an American citizen found with a hand grenade and a knife tucked in his backpack during a routine security check at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport  (NAIA) Terminal 1 on Thursday morning, May 28.

The Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) said in a statement that authorities found an MK2 hand grenade and a knife in the backpack of Taiwan-bound Cipriano de Guzman, a US citizen, at the initial security screening checkpoint at the terminal.

De Guzman was supposed to take the China Airlines flight CI702 to Taiwan but was immediately intercepted at the entrance. He is being investigated by the Aviation Security Group of the Philippine National Police (PNP-ASG).

He will be turned over to the Pasay City Fiscal Office for inquest procedures. De Guzman may face charges for illegal possession of explosives and bladed weapon, the MIAA said.

MIAA General Manager Jose Angel Honrado said the incident showed the importance of security screenings at the airport, where passengers are subjected to at least two security checks prior to boarding.

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