Government information technology experts are now crafting a comprehensive strategy to address another wave of hoax bombs that targeted at least 28 government agencies and even academic institutions on Monday, Feb. 12, the Philippine National Police (PNP) said.

In a statement released on Tuesday, Feb. 13, the PNP said the crafting of the strategy is now being done with the assistance from Japan after the backtracking revealed that the bomb threats was traced to have come from abroad under the name of Takahiro Karasawa, who identified himself as a Japanese lawyer.

Based on the initial result of the investigation of the PNP’s Anti-Cybercrime Group (ACG), it was found out that the bomb threats are connected to previous instances of hoax bomb threats in government offices, public schools, and railway that occurred in September, October, and December of 2023.

“These threats also extend beyond our borders, affecting neighboring countries. In light of this malicious and disruptive issue, the PNP actively participated in the Joint Inter-Agency Conference to formulate a comprehensive strategy to effectively combat this threat,” the statement read.

The meeting was attended by experts from the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), the National Intelligence Coordinating Agency, the National Privacy Commission and other concerned government agencies.

The PNP then urged the public to remain vigilant and resilient and likewise called on community leaders to keep their constituents well-informed and engaged in their civic duties and responsibilities.

“It is crucial to avoid sharing unverified information, as this can lead to unnecessary panic and confusion,” the statement read.

The PNP added also reminded the public that spreading false information or making threats related to bombs, explosives, or similar devices is strictly prohibited under Presidential Decree 1727.

Violators, it said, may face severe penalties, including up to five years of imprisonment or a fine not exceeding P40,000.