Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin C. Remulla ordered the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) to probe the bomb threats sent via e-mail to several government agencies and local government units (LGUs).
“There should be no place for pranks or spreading fear among our people,” Remulla declared.
“Let this be a warning to those behind this that we will not tolerate such acts and we will go after you with the full extent of the law,” he warned.
In a statement, the Department of Justice (DOJ) said "the e-mail sender identified himself as Takahiro Karasawa, supposedly a Japanese lawyer from a certain ‘Steadiness Law Office,’ and a highly knowledgeable bomb-maker."
“In the e-mail, Karasawa emphasized that bombs will rock major Philippine government agencies on February 12, 2024 approximately around 3:34 pm,” it added.
The Quezon City Police District (QCPD) reported that on Monday the Department of Environment and Natural Resources-Central Office (DENR-Central Office) received a bomb threat.
However, police declared the incident a false alarm after no explosives or hazardous materials were found following a thorough search.
It was not yet clear if the DENR also received an e-mail from the person claiming to be Takahiro Karasawa.