TOP Philippine National Police officials yesterday warned the public anew to refrain from spreading unverified reports on presence of explosives and other bomb threats since they not only cause precious government resources but is also punishable by the law.

PNP chief General Benjamin C. Acorda Jr. said bomb or no bomb, they still have to respond to places including schools and government and private offices which have received bomb threats as a precautionary measure.

“It (responding) is part of our program of activities, our response to bomb threats but the problem is that it disrupt classes in schools and work in government or private offices,” said the top cop.

Gen. Acorda said that although they don’t want to be alarmist, they still call on the citizenry to observe some protocols when it comes to reacting to ‘bomb’ situations.

“There is a proper way to respond to bomb threats especially in areas which are the perennial targets of bomb hoax. However, we appeal to the public to remain calm as The Philippines is not the only country in the world encountering bomb threats,” the PNP chief said.

National Capital Region Police Office director Major Gen. Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr. said they are coordinating with different law enforcement agencies and the Department of Information Communications Technology their investigation into a series of bomb threats that recently hit Metro Manila.

“Medyo mahirap halughugin, magbacktrack and hanapin yung sa e-mail at patong-patong na, halos isang libo na pasa-pasa. Kaya ang pinakamaganda is to coordinate with different agencies, here in our country and our foreign countrparts,” he said.

Precious police resources are being spent each time a bomb threat is received by a particular school or office since EOD/K9 teams and other police personnel are immediately sent to the area to cordon it and check for any presence of bomb.

“If there is a bomb threat, we ensure to clear the area and render it safe before allowing the resumption of classes or work,” said Maj. Gen. Nartatez.

The series of bomb scares that hit the country this month and disrupted the operations of various government offices and public schools were found to be connected to previous instances of hoax threats made by an alleged Japanese national during the last quarter of 2023.

Thus, the PNP advised the public to remain vigilant and avoid sharing unverified information as it may lead to unnecessary panic and confusion.

“Community leaders are encouraged to keep their constituents well-informed and engaged in their civic duties and responsibilities,” PNP spokesperson Colonel Jean S. Fajardo said.

Col. Fajardo also warned those spreading false information or making threats related to bombs, explosives, or similar devices that they face severe penalties under Presidential Decree 1727, include up to five years in jail and a fine of up to P40,000.

“These threats also extend beyond our borders, affecting neighboring countries. It has been determined that all of these incidents can be traced back to a single email sender named Takahiro Karasawa, who identified himself as a Japanese lawyer,” she said.