PNP: Japanese lawyer denies involvement in bomb threats
MANILA, Philippines — The Japanese lawyer allegedly responsible for a series of bomb scares that hit various local government units (LGUs) and national government agencies across the country last February 12 has denied sending out the hoax threats, according to the Philippine National Police (PNP).
PNP spokesperson Col. Jean Fajardo revealed that Takahiro Karasawa, the alleged email sender, is now cooperating with Japanese authorities.
“We are looking for other sources because this is not limited to Japan. The person who is being accused of sending the threats is denying it. I understand he’s cooperating with the authorities,” Fajardo said in English and Filipino.
Earlier, PNP disclosed that an initial investigation of the Anti-Cybercrime Group indicated that the bomb threats were connected to the ones that occurred in September, October, and December last year.
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.
During the same briefing, Fajardo also revealed that the PNP-Explosive Ordnance Disposal group had received 80 to 90 reports related to bomb threats on February 12 alone.
Fajardo also eminded 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, she added.
