MANILA – The Office for Transport Security (OTS) reminded the public on Wednesday not to bring ammunition in airports as violators could face legal sanctions.
“The law (Comprehensive Law on Firearms and Ammunition) is clear on this, kapag po ang isang tao ay in possession, or has unlawfully acquired it, ang parusa po dito ay pagkakakulong. That is why, paulit ulit po kami sa pag papaalala (when someone is in possesion or has unlawfully acquired it, the penalty is imprisonment. That is why we repeatedly remind the public,” OTS Administrator Crizaldo Nieves told the Philippine News Agency.
The OTS intercepts the ammunition to keep passengers from bringing these elsewhere, he added.
Other countries such as Hong Kong and Singapore charge five to 20 years of imprisonment to those caught with ammunition, Nieves said.
In the Philippines, the screening personnel record the incident and turn over the seized ammunition to the airport police.
“It is up to them whether to file or not to file a case against the passenger based on their evaluation of the circumstances,” he said.
The OTS does not have any power to arrest, detain or file a case against a passenger.
Meanwhile, in a social media post, the OTS noted that bringing ammunition would cause delay and inconvenience.
Passengers are urged not to take the risk of bringing ammunition regardless of the quantity. (PNA)