BUTUAN CITY – A bomb threat abruptly suspended work at the Agusan del Norte provincial capitol here on Tuesday, October 3.
Agusan del Norte Community Affairs Officer (CAO) Edgar M. Palarca Jr. said work was suspended at 10 a.m.
“Our police authorities have taken swift action to ensure the safety of all individuals in the area, particularly those working at the provincial capitol here,” Palarca said.
Lawmen directed all personnel and visitors to evacuate the capitol where the office of Gov. Maria Angelica Rosedell M. Amante and Agusan del Norte Rep. Dale Corvera are located. Amante and Corvera were out of their office during the incident.
“This decision comes as part of a comprehensive security measure to assess and neutralize the potential threat,” Palarca said.
Police are conducting thorough screening and paneling operations to secure the area and identify any potential hazards, he said. Every effort is being made to ensure the safety and security of everyone present, he added.
The Agusan del Norte CAO officer urge everyone to comply with the authorities' instructions and maintain a safe distance from the capitol premises until an official all-clear is given. ”Your cooperation is essential in ensuring the swift and secure resolution of this situation,” Palarca said.
The Police Regional Office-13 is still determining if the pipe left behind the entrance of the provincial capitol contains a bomb.
“Our regional director Police Brig. Gen. Kirby John B. Kraft ordered the Butuan City Police Office and EOD and K9 team to really investigate and conduct forensic details if the pipe really contains an alleged bomb material,” said PRO-13 Regional Public Information Office chief Police Major Jennifer S. Ometer said.
Ometer said that thorough investigation of the incident is ongoing.