Bomb threat hits DENR office in QC

A bomb threat was reported at the central office of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) in Quezon City on Monday, the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) said.

In an initial report, the BFP said some of its personnel went to the DENR office on Visayas Avenue in Diliman at around 11:03 a.m. to respond to the bomb threat.

The explosive ordnance disposal team from Quezon City Police District (QCPD) also arrived in the area, according to a report of Allan Gatus on Super Radyo dzBB.

DENR employees evacuated from the building, the radio report said. Work for the afternoon shift was suspended and the employees were asked to go home following the bomb threat.

In a report, the QCPD said at around 8:55 a.m.  its personnel responded to the alleged bomb threat at the DENR allegedly issued by a certain Japanese national.

“Upon conducting paneling operations and thorough inspections, the results yielded negative and no signs of any bombs or any Improvised Explosive Device (IED) was found thereat,” the QCPD said.

“This Japanese national  was also the one responsible in a bomb threat  at MRT Kamuning Station last September 2023,” it added.

Hoax

In a statement, the DENR later said the bomb threat was just a hoax based on the investigation of the police.

“Upon thorough investigation in cooperation with the Philippine National Police (PNP), the information being circulated has been verified to be a hoax,” it said.

“The DENR calls for vigilant sobriety and advises everyone to immediately report suspicious activity to local authorities. The Department continues to stay alert and committed to the security and well-being of our employees at all times,” it added. — Joviland Rita/KBK/RF/RSJ, GMA Integrated News