THE Philippine National Police-Anti-Cybercrime Group (PNP-ACG) is investigating the consecutive bomb threats against the country, particularly targeting national government agencies.
On Tuesday, December 5, 2023, a supposed Japanese lawyer claimed to have planted bombs in various locations in Manila City Hall, prompting immediate notification to authorities to warn workers and residents near the area.
“Our PNP Anti-Cybercrime Group is now coordinating with our foreign counterparts to trace the origin of this Email,” according to PCol. Jean Fajardo, Chief, PNP-PIO.
“Yesterday, we recorded consecutive bomb threats, all of which were responded to by the PNP. We appeal to our fellow citizens to be cautious about the emails they receive because these bomb threats are being circulated through Email,” stated.
Earlier, employees of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) building, where the National Police Commission (NAPOLCOM) Office in Quezon City is located, were disturbed due to the bomb threat.
According to the PNP, the name provided in the Email was fake, still, they will continue to collaborate with authorities to prevent such threats.
“Based on our investigation, this email, especially the persona claiming to be Takahiro Karasawa, a supposed Japanese lawyer, is fake. In fact, in September and October, our cybercrime patrolling monitored similar emails circulating not only in the Philippines but also in South Korea, Taiwan, and China,” Fajardo added.
The PNP warned the public against spreading bomb threats, with a penalty of up to five years of imprisonment.
The bomb threat emerged days after the deadly bombing incident at a gym of the Mindanao State University (MSU) in Marawi City last Sunday, claiming the lives of four individuals.
