Metro Manila – The Philippine National Police (PNP) has urged the public to exercise caution before spreading unconfirmed reports, following the receipt of seven hoax bomb threats in a single day.
Col. Jean Fajardo, PNP spokesperson, reported that on Tuesday, six of these false bomb threats, communicated via email, targeted various government offices in Metro Manila.
The affected institutions included the Department of Budget and Management (DBM), the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA), and the National Museum.
Additionally, Pangil Elementary School in Pangil, Laguna, was also threatened, leading to the suspension of classes and government activities in the area.
Fajardo emphasized the legal consequences of such actions, stating, “Under the law, such acts are strictly forbidden. Violators could face imprisonment for no less than five years and a fine of ₱40,000.”
“From the PNP’s perspective, we take every report seriously,” she added. “Regardless of its authenticity, our protocol for managing bomb threat reports is to respond promptly.”
These incidents followed a recent explosion at Mindanao State University in Marawi City, which resulted in four fatalities and numerous injuries, heightening public concern about safety in communal spaces.
Abegail Nebreja, among other shoppers interviewed by CNN Philippines, shared her apprehension about visiting public areas, though economic necessities compel her to leave home. “Currently, I have no choice but to go to work as my salary is my primary source of income. I just have to be extra cautious,” she said.
The police reassured citizens that they are intensifying security measures nationwide, even post-election, including continuing random checkpoints.
“Even under heightened alert, especially in the NCR, we have ample personnel guarding places of worship, malls, terminals, and stores,” Fajardo assured.
President Bongbong Marcos recently announced the deployment of additional security forces in vulnerable communities and those impacted by the Marawi bombing.