A 29-year-old man faces a PHP 5,000 fine after being found guilty of illegally entering the airside area of Bicol International Airport (BIA) last November while intoxicated and riding a motorcycle. The incident comes as the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) takes a firm stance against airport trespassing nationwide.
The BIA trespassing occurred on November 17, 2023, when the man arrived at the admin gate visibly drunk and on a blue motorcycle. Despite being intercepted by security, he drove into the restricted airside near a parked aircraft.
Airport security involved the Philippine National Police Aviation Security Unit and local police. After an investigation, a case was filed against the trespasser for violating an ordinance prohibiting unauthorized entry into airport areas.
On March 1, 2024, the Municipal Trial Court imposed the PHP 5,000 fine.
“It’s crucial to emphasize to the public that anyone who violates airport safety policies will face consequences,” said CAAP Director General Capt. Manuel Antonio L. Tamayo, who recently initiated criminal charges against an offender at Caticlan Airport.
In February 2024, the CAAP warned of substantial fines and potential imprisonment for airport to aircraft on the runway.
The CAAP filed a criminal case with the Department of Justice, citing the offense under Section 81(b)(7) of Republic Act No. 9497 as punishable by 1-6 years in prison or fines up to PHP 1 million.
CAAP Area V’s Cynthia Tumanut stated the BIA case shows that “CAAP is serious in matters pertaining to security and safety.”
Leave a Reply