Bomb joke at Quiapo Church: Police arrest 42-year-old man

FILE PHOTO: Plaza Miranda, the square in front of Quiapo Church in Manila. Police arrested a 42-year-old man for allegedly making a bomb joke inside Quiapo Church on Friday morning, January 5, 2024. INQUIRER/LYN RILLON

MANILA, Philippines — Police arrested a 42-year-old man for allegedly making a bomb joke inside Quiapo Church on Friday morning.

The Philippine National Police (PNP) identified the man as Dennis Garcia Espejo and said he made the joke at 5:30 a.m. inside the iconic church in Manila. Authorities said a 38-year-old man identified as Michael Tamayo Culibang witnessed the incident.

“Suspect was arrested inflagrante making false information then and there willfully violated PD (Presidential Decree) 1727,” the PNP report said, adding that formal complaints will be filed against Espejo.

Bomb joke. Graphics by Bernard Esguerra / INQUIRER.net

PD 1727 declares “as unlawful the malicious dissemination of false information of the willful making of any threat concerning bombs, explosives or any similar destruction and imposing penalties thereof.”

Under that law, violators may be penalized for not more than five years in prison and a fine of up to P40,000, upon the court’s discretion.

The incident happened days ahead of the January 9 Traslacion for the Feast of the Black Nazarene, which culminates in the Quiapo Church. The religious procession draws thousands of devotees every year.

On Thursday, the Quiapo Church issued an advisory indicating the do’s and don’ts during this year’s Traslacion, which are:

• Climbing onto the Black Nazarene’s “andas” is prohibited
• Avoid pushing to prevent any injuries
• Refrain from carrying numerous items or large bags. Use transparent bags for easier inspection
• For individuals with illnesses and children, stay on the side of the road for safety
• Don’t forget to eat for sufficient strength during the procession
• Use of a handkerchief to wipe the beloved Lord Jesus Nazarene is still allowed
• Carrying the crossbeam and pulling the rope is still allowed, but do it carefully and with utmost caution
• Maintain the use of face masks and practice social distancing for those attending the Holy Mass
• Wearing hats, umbrellas, and hoodies is strictly prohibited
• Setting up camping tents, especially for those staying overnight, is not allowed
• Bringing tumblers is discouraged instead, use transparent water bottles

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