Fil-Am barred from HK flight over gun possession

Ninoy Aquino International Airport

A Filipino-American passenger bound for Hong Kong was barred from boarding his flight for illegal possession of a firearm at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport  Terminal 3 on Friday morning.

Aviation Security Group – Philippine National Police identified the suspect as Wilfredo C. Abelardo, 60, an American citizen, businessman, holder of US Passport No. 510573810 and a resident of No. 8 Forbestown road, Fort Bonifacio, Global City Taguig.

Abelardo was prevented from boarding Cathay Pacific Air flight CX 900 after a loaded cal. 9mm concealed inside his hand carry bag was intercepted at 10:45 a.m.

The investigation revealed that one short firearm, Pistol, Armscor, cal. 9mm with serial No. Z258523 with two loaded magazines containing 18 pieces of live ammunition was intercepted at Gate 4 initial check of the Departure Area of the NAIA Terminal 3.

Police said upon verification, it was disclosed  Abelardo had no documents to support the ownership of the firearm and had no license and permit to carry a firearm outside of his residence as well as a permit to transport a firearm.

Permit to carry and permit to transport are written authorities issued only to a licensed gun owner by the Chief of the PNP or by a PNP Regional Director, which entitle such person to transport a particular firearm from and to a specific location within the duration and purpose of the authority.

Police filed against Abelardo a case of  violation of R.A. 10591 or Comprehensive Law on Firearms and ammunition, a non-bailable offense. The suspect he is now detained at the ASG-NCR headquarters.

In 2015, during the “Tanim-Bala” (bullet-planting) fiasco, the MIAA management had put up booths or cubicles for disposal of banned items (such as guns, bullets, knife and other deadly weapons] in the airport .