PNP says all bomb threats vs gov’t offices on Feb 12 were a hoax

The Philippine National Police (PNP) reveals that all bomb threats that hit various government offices nationwide on February 12, 2024, were a hoax. It, however, still advised the public to remain vigilant. (File photo from Philippine Daily Inquirer)

MANILA, Philippines — All bomb threats that hit various government offices nationwide on February 12 were a hoax, the Philippine National Police (PNP) disclosed Tuesday.

The PNP, however, still advised the public to remain vigilant.

“These threats also extend beyond our borders, affecting neighboring countries. It has been determined that all of these incidents can be traced back to a single email sender named Takahiro Karasawa, who identified himself as a Japanese lawyer,” it revealed in a statement.

On Monday, bomb threats disrupted the daily schedule of offices such as the Department of Environment and Natural Resources and the Department of Science and Technology in Quezon City, the Department of Education in Bataan, and the local government of Iba in Zambales province.

READ: Bomb threats strike various gov’t agencies, LGUs on Feb 12

An initial investigation of the Anti-Cybercrime Group (ACG) indicated that the bomb threats were connected to the ones that occurred in September, October, and December last year, according to the PNP.

Since all were found to be just a bluff, authorities met to formulate a comprehensive strategy to address or stop the repeat of hoax threats.

The PNP said the conference involved the Department of Information and Communications Technology, the National Intelligence Coordinating Agency, the National Privacy Commission, other concerned government agencies, as well as a representative from Japan.

Authorities said the public should not only remain vigilant, as community leaders were likewise encouraged to keep their constituents well-informed. The PNP stressed that the right information and awareness is a crucial factor to avoid the spread of unverified information that may cause unnecessary panic.

The PNP then reminded the public that spreading false information or making threats related to bombs, explosives, or similar devices is prohibited under Presidential Decree 1727.

“Violators of this decree may face severe penalties, including up to 5 years of imprisonment or a fine not exceeding P40,000,” it said.