Man goes wild with ballpen; 2 injured

A departing passenger bound for Cotabato ran amuck yesterday at the new Centennial Terminal injuring two persons, a female passenger and an airport policeman.

Airport security was able to subdue Nicanor Mala, a Muslim, after he stabbed another passenger, Marivil Urjan, who was bound for Davao, with a ball pen. Avelino Bacena, an airport security man, also suffered a stab wound while trying to help collar Mala.

Both victims suffered stab wounds in their arms. They were both given first aid at the airport’s medical clinic, while Mala was detained in handcuffs to restrain him.

Airport security officials suspected that Mala, who was to board a Philippine Airlines flight for Cotabato suddenly went berserk upon entering the departure area and started chasing everyone in sight with a ball pen.

Urjan, who was waiting for her flight at the passenger holding area, was caught unaware by the commotion and failed to run away from Mala.– Rey Arquiza