Shoppers panicked after an unidentified man shouted that there was a bomb inside the mall following a loud explosion.
According to the street vendors, they saw the mall shoppers running from 168 Shopping Mall in Binondo, Manila on Sunday afternoon, Dec. 10.
Police said they received a call from a concerned citizen at 11:55 a.m. on Sunday, informing them about the alleged bomb threat at the food court located on the third floor of the mall.
After a thorough paneling, responding police declared the incident a "false alarm" as the place was "negative for any explosives or hazardous materials."
MPD warns the public of heavy punishments for fake bomb threats.
The public is advised to remain vigilant when going to crowded places such as Divisoria Market.