MANILA - The Bureau of Immigration (BI) has issued a stern warning that foreign nationals involved in bomb jokes may face either denial of entry to the Philippines or deportation.

This after an incident on Wednesday that resulted in the delay of a Japan-bound Philippine Airlines (PAL) flight PR412.

Airport authorities received a bomb threat call from an unidentified woman, which delayed the flight scheduled to depart from Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 1, for five hours.

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This prompted authorities to evacuate passengers. The plane underwent thorough security checks before being cleared for departure.

"Bomb jokes or any comments referencing explosives are not taken lightly, especially in sensitive environments like airports. Such actions can be construed as threats and may lead to exclusion or deportation if foreign nationals are involved," said BI Commissioner Norman Tansingco.

"We urge all foreign nationals to exercise caution and refrain from making any statements or jokes that could be deemed as threats to security," he added.  “Our country remains hospitable for foreigners, but for only those who follow our laws.”

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