DIGOS CITY, Davao del Sur – A person’s good intention does not count when it comes to sharing warnings about imminent bomb attacks coming from unverified or malicious sources.
This, according to Senior Supt. Ferlu J. Silvio, the officer-in-charge of the Davao del Sur Police Provincial Office, said in a media briefing on Friday.
Silvio was responding to a question about some broadcasters reportedly sharing unverified information on an alleged plot to bomb this city, especially targeting activities related to the celebration of the city’s 18th cityhood anniversary, which started last week and will end on Sept. 8.
He said while the intention might be noble, the dissemination of unverified and false information about supposed imminent terror attacks was punishable by law.
“We have Presidential Decree No. 1727, which prohibited the conveyance, propagation or dissemination of false information regarding the alleged presence of bombs by word of mouth or through the use of telephones, telegraph, the mail, and other means of communication, for the purpose of causing or creating public confusion and disorder,” Silvio said, quoting from the decree, which was passed in 1980.
Under the decree, issued by then President Ferdinand Marcos, offenders will be arrested and charged.
The decree’s penal section said violators, “upon conviction”, will be meted a jail term of not more than five years, will be fined P40,000 or can suffer both imprisonment and fine “at the discretion of the court having jurisdiction over the offense.”
Silvio issued an appeal to residents of the province “not to share unverified information or false information on terror or bomb attacks.”
As this developed, Silvio clarified that the provincial police office has not received any report of threat to the safety of the province, including possible terror attack during the Araw ng Digos festivities.
But he said this does not mean that the people should already lower their guards.
“Let us remain vigilant to prevent any attempts at disturbing our peace and order or to sow terror in our midst,” Silvio added.
He said while the police were tasked to ensure the safety of each and everyone, it is still important that civilians cooperate.
“Please report any suspicious movements, baggages or packages to your nearest police station,” he added.
Recently, at least five people were killed and scores of others were injured in separate explosions in Isulan, Sultan Kudarat, which is about three hours by car southwest of this city.
The explosions were blamed on the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) although the group disowned it through a spokesperson. (Allan Nawal/PNA)
