Charges dropped vs 70-year-old foreigner for 'bomb joke' — report
MANILA, Philippines — A 70-year-old Dutch woman is no longer facing criminal complaints despite making a "bomb joke" at the Laoag International Airport (LIA) on Wednesday.
LIA’s Aviation Security Group (ASG) Police Major Darwin Ocon said during a Friday interview with Bombo Radyo Laoag, with the prosecution deciding that Neuen's joke didn't cause any "panic, public confusion and disorder."
Mary Evelyn Dolor Neuen was earlier detained by police authorities on January 3 after a screening officer heard the foreigner uttered the words "there's a bomb" while checking the former's luggage.
Neuen was reportedly in the Philippines with her family after visiting Santa Maria, Ilocos Sur for the holidays.
Presidential Decree 1727 outlaws the malicious dissemination of false information and threats concerning bombs, explosives and other similar devices.
Those convicted for such crime are punished with imprisonment of not more than five years and/or a fine no more than P40,000 at the discretion of the court.
LIA's office of transport security team leader Police Captain Nelson Fantonia earlier confirmed that there was no explosive present in Neuen's bag.
"Upon receiving the report, the K9-OED unit immediately conducted paneling and upon thorough inspection, the result was negative of explosive," said Fantonia.
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