Bomb threats hit gov’t. agencies, schools in Bataan, Zambales and Cebu

Several government agencies and schools in different provinces received bomb threats on Monday, according to police reports.

In Bataan, provincial police chief Police Colonel Palmer Tria directed all stations to respond to the government agencies that received a bomb threat from a certain Takahiro Karasawa,

“This bomb threat is not only in the province of Bataan but also in other places,” Tria said.

“A similar bomb threat from the same name of sender who identifies himself as Takahiro Karasawa, allegedly a lawyer, was also made last September and October 2023 and was found out also to be sent in other countries," he added.

In Zambales, the Subic police said police assistance and security measures were given to  the local government unit and various schools to ensure the safety of students and members of the faculty.

“Their primary objective was to ensure the safety and security of the entire community against any potential harm,” the Subic police said.

“The Subic MPs worked tirelessly and in close coordination with the LGU to effectively manage the situation and restore normalcy in the area,” it added.

The Cebu provincial police told GMA News Online that the bomb threat that was monitored in Cebu City Hall of Justice turned out to be negative. The work in the area has resumed, it added.

Earlier in Metro Manila, a bomb threat was reported at the central office of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) in Quezon City, the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) said.

The DENR said that the bomb threat was just a hoax based on police investigation.

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

“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.—RF, GMA Integrated News