Israeli nabbed at NAIA for illegal possession of firearms

A 50-year-old Israeli national was arrested at NAIA Terminal 3 in Pasay City for illegal possession of firearms, the Aviation Security Group (AVSEGROUP) of the Philippine National Police (PNP) said.

In a statement, the AVSEGROUP said authorities discovered disassembled firearm parts and live ammunition inside the Israeli’s checked-in luggage.

“The suspect, identified as a defense consultant and military reservist from Jerusalem, was a departing passenger bound for Dubai with a connecting flight to Tel Aviv,” the AVSEGROUP said in a Facebook post on Thursday.

“The incident began when an alert X-ray operator detected an image resembling a firearm during routine screening. The matter was immediately reported to the Baggage Inspector and duty PNP AVSEGROUP personnel, who conducted a manual inspection in the suspect’s presence,” it added.

Among the recovered items from his baggage were several disassembled firearm parts, like components of a 5.56mm rifle, a .22 caliber revolver frame and cylinder, a .45 magazine, and boxes of live ammunition. 

The suspect failed to present legal documents authorizing possession and transport of the items, according to the AVSEGROUP.

He was brought to NAIA Police Station 3 for further probing and filing of appropriate charges.

“This incident underscores our unwavering commitment to airport security. AVSEGROUP will continue to enforce the law and protect our country’s gateways from any form of threat,” AVSEGROUP chief Police Brigadier General Jason Capoy said. –VAL, GMA Integrated News