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PNP to strengthen coordination with telcos, social media firms vs bomb threat hoaxes
PNP to strengthen coordination with telcos, social media firms vs bomb threat hoaxes
The Philippine National Police (PNP) will be strengthening its coordination with telecommunications companies and managers of social media and messaging platforms to intensify the campaign against the proliferation of bomb threat hoaxes.
Acting PNP chief Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez, Jr. said he already directed the Anti-Cybercrime Group (ACG) to enhance its partnership with the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), telcos, and platform administrators to trace and block online accounts used to issue threats or spread unverified reports about supposed bomb incidents.
“The use of social media and messaging apps to initiate and spread bomb threats is not a joke, this is punished under the law. We will not hesitate to pursue charges against those found responsible for causing unnecessary panic and disruption,” said Nartatez.
Nartatez issued the reminder following a bomb threat that disrupted classes at the Davao Wisdom Academy in Davao City on Oct. 22.
According to an initial investigation, a teacher received a message from an unknown sender through Facebook Messenger, claiming that a suspicious man wearing a blue shirt and carrying a black bag was spotted inside the school’s premises.
Part of the message read: “I’m worried there may be a possible bomb.”
The threat turned out to be a hoax after personnel from the Explosive Ordnance Disposal and canine units of the city police found no explosives after a thorough inspection.
The Davao City Police Office is working closely with the school management and local authorities to trace the source of the threat. Police units were also ordered to intensify visibility patrols around schools and other populated areas.
Similar bomb threat hoaxes also disrupted classes at several campuses of the Bicol University on October 8, and Batangas University on August 18.
Under Presidential Decree 1727, issuing false bomb threats is punishable by imprisonment of up to five years and a fine of up to ₱40,000.
Nartatez reminded the public that all bomb-related reports are treated seriously and that hoaxes waste critical police resources that should be directed to real emergencies.
Meanwhile, the PNP called on the public to immediately report any suspicious activity or object to the nearest police station and refrain from spreading unverified information online.