The Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) confirmed that no injuries were reported after a power bank caught fire and exploded at the Initial Security Screening Checkpoint (ISSCP) of Roxas Airport earlier today, June 24, 2025.
In an interview with Bombo Radyo Roxas, Police Lt. Jose Dexter Paulian, Officer-in-Charge of the Roxas Airport Police Station, said the incident happened at around 6:36 AM when airport personnel discovered a 72,000 milliampere-hour (mAh) power bank inside the baggage of a female passenger bound for Manila.
The device exceeded the 160 watt-hour maximum limit allowed for power banks on board commercial flights.
The passenger initially claimed that the power bank had been permitted on her inbound flight from Manila. However, she eventually agreed to turn the device over to a companion outside the terminal.
While arrangements were being made, the power bank suddenly sparked and caught fire while on the inspection table.
A nearby airport security guard quickly responded and used a fire extinguisher to suppress the flames. Despite this, the power bank exploded shortly afterward. Fortunately, no one was injured, and no major damage was recorded.
CAAP commended the swift and effective response of airport security personnel and screeners from the Office for Transportation Security (OTS), whose actions helped prevent a more serious incident.
“This incident highlights the importance of strict compliance with aviation safety regulations, especially concerning lithium-ion-powered devices such as power banks,” CAAP said in a statement.
In line with the directive of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and the Department of Transportation to ensure the highest standards of safety and security for all travelers, CAAP encourages passengers to review airline and airport safety policies before their flights.
“We urge the public to cooperate and help maintain a safe and secure air travel environment for everyone,” the agency added.
