CABATUAN, Iloilo — A 54-year-old passenger was shot by an aviation police officer after he allegedly refused to surrender a knife and attempted to stab authorities at the Iloilo International Airport on Wednesday afternoon, January 28, 2026.
The suspect, identified by the Iloilo Police Provincial Office (IPPO) as Roland B. Lañojan, a security guard from Sagay, Camiguin, is currently undergoing treatment at a local hospital.
Chronology of the Incident
- The Detection: At approximately 4:44 p.m., personnel from the Office of Transportation Security (OTS) flagged Lañojan at the central security screening checkpoint after an X-ray machine detected a bladed weapon inside his baggage.
- The Refusal: Lañojan allegedly refused to undergo a secondary inspection and became hostile toward the OTS personnel.
- The Confrontation: Officers from Aviation Security Unit 6 (AVSEU-6), led by Police Executive Master Sgt. Dixon E. Zabala, responded to the checkpoint and ordered the passenger to surrender the knife.
- The Attack: According to the police report, Lañojan ignored the commands and instead attempted to stab Zabala several times with the knife.
- The Shooting: After evading the attacks, Zabala drew his service firearm and shot the suspect once in the shoulder to neutralize the threat.
Current Status Medical personnel stationed at the airport provided immediate first aid to Lañojan before he was transported to the Western Visayas Sanitarium Hospital in Santa Barbara, Iloilo. His injuries are reportedly non-life-threatening, but he remains under guard.
Context and Airport Security The incident occurred at the airport’s pre-departure area, a high-traffic zone for travelers. Airport officials noted that while entry procedures had eased since late 2025 with the removal of the initial screening checkpoint, the central security screening remains the primary defense against prohibited items.
The IPPO and AVSEU-6 are currently conducting a follow-up investigation into the suspect’s motives and why he was attempting to carry a bladed weapon onto a flight. Charges for direct assault upon an agent of a person in authority and violation of aviation security protocols are expected to be filed against the suspect.