MANILA - A soldier was arrested after cracking a joke about a bomb at the Metro Rail Transit (MRT 3) on Tuesday.

James Thomas Dela Cruz, an enlisted personnel of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), reportedly joked that a bomb was inside his friend's bag when their belongings were being inspected at the GMA-Kamuning station of the MRT around 5 p.m.

Dela Cruz, who is undergoing training to be a member of the Philippine Navy, was brought to the security headquarters of the MRT in Shaw Boulevard.

AFP spokesperson Brig. Gen. Restituto Padilla said they have been informed of the incident.

"The infraction is something serious and could have caused people to get hurt. We do not condone their actions and will seriously investigate the matter and hold those responsible accountable," Padilla said.

The management of the MRT, meanwhile, reminded passengers not to make false reports about bombs as it is punishable by law. - Report from Raya Capulong, ABS-CBN News