KEEP OFF. Police officers secure the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3 parking area in Pasay City after a reported Molotov explosion morning of Sept. 23, 2023. No one was hurt but three vehicles were damaged. (Screenshot from contributed video)
MANILA – The Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) on Monday reported that the suspect behind the Molotov explosion at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 3 parking area last month was arrested and detained at the Pasay City Jail.
The MIAA said Renieldo dela Peña Perez, a former taxi driver, is facing attempted arson and alarm and scandal charges.
He was arrested on the evening of Sept. 28 by the Terminal Police Station (TPS) and was turned over to the Philippine National Police on Sept. 29.
An informant apparently tipped off the TPS about Perez, who was later sighted near the exit of the Terminal 3 open parking area.
"During questioning, he admitted that he was the one who threw the Molotov cocktail device that he personally assembled using an energy drink bottle containing gasoline then dipped a cloth inside, ignited it and quickly threw it towards the direction of the parking lot," the MIAA said.
The weak explosion from the Molotov device damaged three private vehicles.
Perez underwent inquest last Oct. 6, according to MIAA.
On the same day, the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) announced that all commercial airports across the country have been placed on heightened alert, following a bomb threat via email on Oct. 4.
The email from "pilipinas kong mahal" said a plane would explode at the NAIA and would also affect other airports in Cebu, Palawan, Bicol and Davao.
Last Oct. 2, a paper with the word "bomb" was found inside an aircraft lavatory at the Bicol International Airport. Twelve flights were delayed by the incident.
Heightened security
In the Caraga Region, the Police Regional Office-Region 13 immediately coordinated with authorities following the CAAP alert, according to Public Information Office chief Maj. Jennifer Ometer.
The region has four operating airports located in Butuan City; Surigao City; Del Carmen, Siargao Island, Surigao del Norte; and Tandag City, Surigao del Sur.
“Simulation exercises are scheduled in our airports starting this week. We are just finalizing these activities with the Explosive and Ordnance Disposal team, other support units and airport management,” Ometer said in a phone interview.
In another interview, Junelito Abrazado, CAAP-Surigao City airport manager, said security protocols remain in place.
“Upon receipt of the advisory from CAAP, we immediately conducted an airport security coordination committee meeting to discuss the situation and further enhance the security of Surigao City airport,” he said. (With a report from Alexander Lopez/PNA)
