Police escort American Cipriano de Guzman at Ninoy Aquino International Airport

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A grenade and knife were discovered by airport security

Police say it was a live grenade

CNN  — 

An American accused of trying to take a live grenade and knife through airport security in the Philippines has been arrested, an airport official said.

Cipriano de Guzman was being held at Manila’s Ninoy Aquino International Airport after the weapons were discovered in his backpack during X-ray screening, airport manager Dante Basanta said Thursday.

Authorities at Manila International Airport show a grenade and knife discovered during x-ray screening

“It is a case of illegal possession of an explosive device and illegal possession of a sharp object,” said Col. Ricardo Layug with the Aviation Security Group of the Philippine National Police. “He definitely cannot leave the country. He has to face the charges.”

Kurt Hoyer, an official at the U.S. Embassy in Manila, said he was aware of the report, but had no information about the person who was detained.