NBI probing bomb threats targeting gov’t agencies

INQUIRER FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines — The National Bureau of Investigation told reporters on Tuesday that upon an order from Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla, it was conducting an urgent probe of bomb threats received by some government offices on Feb. 12.

The threat allegedly came from a certain Takahiro Karasawa, who claimed to have planted explosives in various locations.

The NBI said it had teamed up with the Japan Police Attache and other local and foreign agencies, to assess the credibility of the threat while coming up with contingency plans and preventive measures to ensure public safety.

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It added that Karasawa was a notorious bomb hoaxer found to be involved in similar incidents in other countries. He was also behind the bomb scare that disrupted operations of the Metro Rail Transit 3 in September 2023.

“We urge the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities or information related to this case to the authorities. The NBI is committed to conducting a thorough and impartial investigation, leaving no stone unturned in the pursuit of justice,” NBI Director Medardo de Lemos said in a statement.

Among the offices that received a bomb threat via email on Monday were the Department of Environment and Natural Resources office in Quezon City and several schools in Bataan province.

—RUSSEL LORETO