REGIONAL
Advocates Philippines
Bomb Threat Prompts Government Office Suspensions In Bataan; Investigation Launched
Photo credit: Bataan Governor Joet Garcia
The Department of Education confirmed on Monday the suspension of work in government offices in Bataan following a bomb threat received by the DepEd Schools Division of Balanga. As a precautionary measure, asynchronous classes were implemented from 11:30 a.m. onwards.
In response to the alarming situation, Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Boying Remulla has directed the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) to conduct a thorough investigation into the bomb threat.
An unverified e-mail, purportedly from a Japanese lawyer named Takahiro Karasawa, claimed that bombs would target major Philippine government agencies around 3:34 pm on February 12, 2024.
Secretary Remulla warned the sender, stating, "There should be no place for pranks or spreading fear among our people. Let this be a warning to those behind this that we will not tolerate such acts, and we will go after you with the full extent of the law."
While Bataan Governor Joet Garcia reassured the public that a thorough investigation revealed the bomb threat to be a hoax. The Bataan Police Provincial Office reported negative findings after inspecting government offices and schools allegedly targeted by the threat. Governor Garcia urged residents to remain vigilant and cautioned against spreading misinformation.
In a separate announcement, the Authority of the Freeport Area of Bataan (AFAB) suspended work due to a major security concern. The suspension, effective at 1:30 PM on February 12, 2024, applies to AFAB offices, with the exception of essential services. Skeletal forces will be available for 24/7 services, and FAB Registered Enterprises can exercise discretion in suspending work for the safety and convenience of their employees.
For emergency response and security assistance, the Public Safety and Security Department (PSSD) can be reached at the following numbers:
- LANDLINE:
- (047) 935 - 6111
- (047) 935- 6997
- (047) 935 - 4004 local 8203
- MOBILE:
- 0917 580 1896
- 0917 850 9759
The investigation into the bomb threat is ongoing, and authorities continue to remind the public to stay vigilant and report any suspicious activities.
In response to the alarming situation, Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Boying Remulla has directed the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) to conduct a thorough investigation into the bomb threat.
An unverified e-mail, purportedly from a Japanese lawyer named Takahiro Karasawa, claimed that bombs would target major Philippine government agencies around 3:34 pm on February 12, 2024.
Secretary Remulla warned the sender, stating, "There should be no place for pranks or spreading fear among our people. Let this be a warning to those behind this that we will not tolerate such acts, and we will go after you with the full extent of the law."
While Bataan Governor Joet Garcia reassured the public that a thorough investigation revealed the bomb threat to be a hoax. The Bataan Police Provincial Office reported negative findings after inspecting government offices and schools allegedly targeted by the threat. Governor Garcia urged residents to remain vigilant and cautioned against spreading misinformation.
In a separate announcement, the Authority of the Freeport Area of Bataan (AFAB) suspended work due to a major security concern. The suspension, effective at 1:30 PM on February 12, 2024, applies to AFAB offices, with the exception of essential services. Skeletal forces will be available for 24/7 services, and FAB Registered Enterprises can exercise discretion in suspending work for the safety and convenience of their employees.
For emergency response and security assistance, the Public Safety and Security Department (PSSD) can be reached at the following numbers:
- LANDLINE:
- (047) 935 - 6111
- (047) 935- 6997
- (047) 935 - 4004 local 8203
- MOBILE:
- 0917 580 1896
- 0917 850 9759
The investigation into the bomb threat is ongoing, and authorities continue to remind the public to stay vigilant and report any suspicious activities.
Feb 12, 2024
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