BI probes alleged Japanese linked to bomb threats

The Bureau of Immigration (BI) on Tuesday announced it has started investigating the alleged Japanese who sent bomb threats to government offices.

Immigration Commissioner Norman Tansignco said the bureau will coordinate with the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) and the Department of Justice (DOJ) to determine if the individual, allegedly Takahiro Karasawa, is in the Philippines.

"We will also be verifying if this is his real identity, or if he is a prankster using a fictitious name," Tansingco said in a statement.

This came after several government offices received bomb threats from Karasawa on Monday. Karasawa claimed that bombs will rock major government agencies in the afternoon.

Similar bomb threats from Karasawa were also made in September and October 2023.

According to Tansingco, Karasawa had at least four namesakes in the BI database, all of which were not in the Philippines.

He said the BI will also immediately implement hold orders, blacklist orders, or arrest warrants that may be issued against the individual.

"The national government is not taking this lightly. Any security threat shall be met with the harshest penalties of the law," he said.

The DOJ previously ordered the NBI to investigate the bomb threats.

For its part, the NBI said it has started its investigation.

It said it also initiated coordination with the Japan Police Attache, other law enforcement agencies, and emergency responders. 

“We urge the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities or information related to this case to the authorities,” NBI Director Medardo De Lemos said in a separate statement.

“The NBI is committed to conducting a thorough and impartial investigation, leaving no stone unturned in the pursuit of justice. We will keep the public informed of any significant developments in this case,” he added.—AOL, GMA Integrated News