IN an effort to put an end to the recurring bomb threats and trace those behind it, the AFP in collaboration with other government agencies, is actively conducting cyber forensics.
Recently, several areas in Luzon were disrupted following consecutive bomb threats targeting various government offices, including schools in Metro Manila, Bataan, and Zambales, leading to sudden class suspensions.
Based on gathered information, the bomb threats originated from an individual identified as Takahiro Karasawa.
According to the Philippine National Police (PNP), this suspect is also responsible for similar bomb threats in various buildings in the country in September and October of 2023.
“A person who introduced himself as Takahiro Karasawa, who claimed to be a Japanese lawyer, has been using the same email to send bomb threat messages,” Col Jean Fajardo, Spokesperson, PNP stated.
This statement from the PNP was affirmed by the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP). During a press briefing at Camp Aguinaldo, AFP Spokesperson Col. Francel Margareth Padilla mentioned that the culprit behind previous bomb threats in recent years was also Japanese.
“The recent incident had two messages. One was a different message, and the other declared a hoax. So, it has been going on for many years, like a repetition, there was this Japanese named guy stating that there wil be a bomb threat and all that,” Col. Francel Margareth Padilla, Spokesperson, AFP stressed.
Upon receiving the report, Padilla said they promptly took action.
“It’s similar to airport [bomb threats]. For the AFP, for you to become an effective security force, you have to become paranoid. So, when there are such details, we have to act on it. It’s better to act than not act. That’s our mantra,” Padilla added.
The AFP is currently coordinating with other government agencies to address the issue.
“Because of that circulating through email, we can consider that as a cyberattack. So, we are collaborating efforts with those in charge of cyber defenses in the Philippines. We have other agencies like the CICC, NBI, who have cyber forensic capabilities. Rest assured that we are acting on this to finally end these hoax attacks in the cyber domain,” Padilla said.
Meanwhile, the PNP Explosive Ordnance and Disposal (EOD)/K9 Group received six EOD robots from the United States Embassy, valued at approximately 45 million pesos.
According to PGen. Benjamin Acoda Jr., this equipment is a significant aid to the police force, especially in responding to bomb threats and handling suspicious items.
“This is a big thing because in responding to bomb threats and especially in suspicious packages, it’s very dangerous, and these robots will definitely lessen the risk for our personnel,” PGen. Benjamin Acorda Jr., Chief PNP said.
