TOY GUN. A cap pistol was intercepted from a Taipei-bound passenger at Clark International Airport last May 8. Any replica gun that cause harm to passengers and aircraft are not allowed in Philippine airports. (Photo courtesy of Office for Transportation Security)
MANILA – Replica guns, although not real firearms, are not allowed to be carried by passengers in Philippine airports, the Office for Transportation Security (OTS) said Friday.
The pronouncement came as a "toy gun" was intercepted from a Taipei-bound passenger at Clark International Airport last May 8.
"It was a cap pistol. It is a toy gun but it creates simulation of gunshot and smoke," OTS spokesperson Kim Marquez told the Philippine News Agency.
Some replica guns look harmless but are capable of discharging projectiles. Bringing these inside the aircraft could endanger the passengers and the aircraft, Marquez said.
Screening personnel are not gun experts, she said, so when a suspicious image is detected through X-ray, it is validated through manual inspection.
Replica guns and other devices substantially similar in color and appearance to a firearm, are being turned over to the PNP Aviation Security Group stationed at screening checkpoints.
"They will determine if the gun is an imitation and if this is capable of causing injury or destruction," Marquez said.
The PNP will determine if the toy gun violates Republic Act 10591 (Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act) and will decide if the passenger is liable for charges.
"If (the gun) is not violative of the law, this will be confiscated. The incident will be recorded and the passenger could go on with his/her flight," Marquez said.
Meanwhile, Marquez said toy guns for kids are allowed, as long as these are not capable of hurting anyone. (PNA)
