QCPD launches probe as restos report bomb threats

MANILA, Philippines — The director of the Quezon City Police District (QCPD) has ordered an investigation after three restaurants reported receiving bomb threats on July 12.

“We already referred this incident to our [Philippine National Police] anticybercrime [division] for thorough investigation to identify the sender and [hold] him accountable [for his actions],” Brig. Gen. Joselito Esquivel Jr. said.

The first alleged bomb threat was received around 8:40 a.m. by the manager of Conti’s Bakeshop and Restaurant on Katipunan Avenue.

“I need financial assistance before going home to Mindanao. We have already blown up many establishments,” the male caller reportedly told the manager.

Responding members of the QCPD’s Explosive and Ordnance Disposal unit, however, said they found no explosives at the restaurant and its parking lot.

Around noontime, the QCPD received similar but separate complaints from the manager of Dapo Restaurant on Scout Tobias Street and the owner of Half Saints Restaurant on Sgt. Esguerra Avenue.

The calls were made by a man who claimed to be “Kumander Jaguar Sultan.” He demanded P50,000 from both establishments, the police said. Just like the first case, no bombs were found on their premises.

Suspecting that the bomb threats were prank calls, Esquivel reminded the public about the Anti-Bomb Joke Law. Offenders face up to five years in jail or a fine of P40,000.

Still, he asked people to be vigilant after a grenade thrown by still unidentified persons exploded near a Korean restaurant on Scout Tuazon Street on July 10. Nobody was injured although some cars and plant pots were damaged.