Knife-wielding passenger faces charges after Iloilo airport scare

By Jennifer P. Rendon

Police are preparing to file multiple criminal charges against a man who went on a rampage inside the pre-departure area of Iloilo International Airport.

PCol. Bayani Razalan, Iloilo police director, said the 54-year-old suspect, identified only as Roland, may be charged with attempted homicide, direct assault, and grave threats.

In a press conference on Thursday, Jan. 29, Razalan said the suspect is in stable condition after sustaining a gunshot wound to the shoulder.

The suspect was initially taken to the Western Visayas Sanitarium and General Hospital in Sta. Barbara, before being transferred to the Western Visayas Medical Center in Iloilo City.

Police said the suspect was bound for Cebu when the incident occurred.

Authorities said he had no checked-in luggage and was carrying only a sling bag.

The bladed weapon was detected during routine X-ray screening at the central security checkpoint in the pre-departure area at about 4:44 p.m. on Jan. 28.

Personnel from the Office of Transportation Security (OTS) asked the suspect to submit his sling bag for manual inspection, but he refused.

OTS personnel then sought assistance from the Iloilo Aviation Police Station.

Three members of the Philippine National Police Aviation Security Unit responded to verify the situation.

Police said the officers ordered the suspect to surrender the knife he was holding.

The suspect was reportedly given the option to check in the knife but repeatedly refused.

According to police reports, the suspect then attempted to stab one of the officers several times.

The officer responded by drawing his service firearm and shooting the suspect once, hitting him in the shoulder.

Razalan said police are not discounting the possibility that the suspect may be suffering from a mental health condition.

“He’s not cooperating with investigators. He’s been tight-lipped about his motivation,” Razalan said.

Police said the suspect was carrying a security guard identification card listing his address as Tayong, Sagay, Camiguin province, and a driver’s license indicating his address as Barangay Aliwanay, Balamban, Cebu.

Razalan said the suspect allegedly arrived in Iloilo on Dec. 17, 2025, and stayed with an undisclosed friend.

“It wasn’t known if he stayed because of work or just a simple visit,” he said.

Police added that the suspect’s Cebu-based stepfather has already contacted authorities.