The Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center (CICC) confirmed on Tuesday, Feb. 13, that it is collaborating with the Japanese government to thoroughly investigate the recent bomb threats sent to several Philippine government agencies and local government units (LGUs).
After receiving threats from at least six government agencies and local governments, the department issued a statement expressing its commitment to identifying the sender.
Multiple government agencies received the threats, including the Department of Education (DepEd) division office in Bataan, local government of Iba in Zambales, Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), and Department of Science and Technology (DOST).
READ:
https://mb.com.ph/2024/2/12/six-gov-t-agencies-receive-a-bomb-threat-on-feb-12-cicc
However, the department assured the public that “there is no cause for alarm as this sender and email has been tagged as a hoax.”
They added that similar incidents occurred in 2023, also targeting government agencies.
The CICC also said that the email containing the bomb threats originated from Japan and had a locally registered domain name that also targeted government agencies in Seoul, South Korea.
It was also confirmed by the Department of Justice (DOJ), that the sender of the email claimed to be Takahiro Karasawa, supposedly a Japanese lawyer from the 'Steadiness Law Office,' and a "highly knowledgeable bomb-maker."
READ:
https://mb.com.ph/2024/2/12/nbi-to-probe-bomb-threats-sent-thru-e-mail-to-many-gov-t-agencies
While the CICC clarified that the threats were not genuine, it is still advised that the affected government agencies should follow their emergency evacuation procedures as part of their preparedness efforts and emergency protocols.