AN American passenger at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) was arrested when he brought a gun which he intended to bring to Tacloban on Oct. 11.
In a recent report from the Philippine National Police – Aviation Security Unit (PNP-AVSEU), James Wideman Cooper, 60, identified as an American, was apprehended at NAIA Terminal 3 after aviation police were informed that he was carrying a 9mm Springfield pistol. The incident occurred on Oct. 11, 2023.
Reports state that personnel from the Office for Transportation Security (OTS), who were manning the hold baggage area of the terminal, noticed that Cooper’s bag, when it was placed on the x-ray scanner, appeared to contain an image resembling a gun.
The OTS said that all bags are brought to the hold baggage area for security screening before being loaded onto the plane.
In December 2022, the Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) removed the initial security screening (x-ray machines) at the terminal entrances of NAIA. This measure was intended to eliminate queues outside the terminals, making passengers’ travel smoother and faster. The move was done in coordination and consultation with airport security, airlines, and various stakeholders.
