By Katrina Gracia Consebido
Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte warned those who make and spread false bomb threats after several schools in the city experienced class disruptions due to fake bomb messages.
The Quezon City government cited the recent incidents at New Era Elementary School, Emilio Jacinto High School, and Ponciano Bernardo High School, which were later on cleared of bombs or explosive after a Quezon City Police District’s (QCPD) inspection.
Belmonte said they will “go after” those who spread false information or bomb threats.
“Our schools are supposed to be a safe place for our students, and we will not take these pranks and threats lightly,” Belmonte said.
The city government also said that the QCPD will arrest those spreading such information.
“Our QCPD Anti-Cybercrime Group is equipped with state-of-the-art technology and we will track down anyone behind these bomb scares that could cause disruption and danger to our communities,” QCPD Director PBGen. Nicolas Torre III said.
The mayor also asked the City Council to pass an ordinance that would tighten penalties or fines on the fake bomb threat perpetrators.
Such acts are also prohibited under Presidential Decree No. 1727, “Declaring As Unlawful the Malicious Dissemination of False information or the Willful Making of any Threat Concerning Bombs, Explosives or Any Similar Device or Means of Destruction and Imposing Penalties Therefor.” -ag
