Mayor Joy Belmonte issued a stern warning to those who issue or disseminate false bomb threats following the recent disruption of classes in New Era Elementary School, Emilio Jacinto National High School, San Francisco High School and Ponciano Bernardo High School.
After a thorough inspection by the Quezon City Police District’s explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) unit, the schools were declared negative of any bombs or explosives.
“We will go after those who spread false information or pranks about bomb threats. Our schools are supposed to be a safe place for our students, and we will not take these pranks and threats lightly,” the mayor said during a consultation meeting with the Quezon City Police District.
QCPD for its part will work with the city government to arrest individuals spreading such information.
“Our QCPD Anti-Cybercrime Group is equipped with state-of-the-art technology and we will track down anyone behind these bomb scares that could cause disruption and danger to our communities,” QCPD Director PBGen. Nicolas Torre III said.
The mayor also called on the City Council to craft an ordinance prescribing heavier penalties or fines to anyone who disseminates false information about bombs or explosives.
Bomb scares or pranks are considered a violation under Presidential Decree No. 1727 entitled, “Declaring As Unlawful the Malicious Dissemination of False information or the Willful Making of any Threat Concerning Bombs, Explosives or Any Similar Device or Means of Destruction and Imposing Penalties Therefor.”
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