Authorities assured that Dabawenyos are safe during the yuletide season after the suspect behind a bomb threat was arrested and a case had been filed against him on Wednesday afternoon, December 22.
Davao City Police Office (DCPO) director Colonel Kirby John Kraft said that at around 4 p.m. on Wednesday, a case for violation of Presidential Decree (PD) 1727, a law 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, has been filed against the said suspect.
“Therefore, [a case] has been filed against the suspect at the city prosecutor’s office,” Kraft said.
On Tuesday, the City Government of Davao released a public advisory, informing residents about the two bomb threats that were being investigated by the security cluster.
“Violent extremism is a scourge around the globe and Dabawenyos should, at all times, remain vigilant. On the other hand, threats may be politically motivated, particularly from people who have evil intent,” the advisory said.
The city government urged the public to cooperate by giving immediate information about planned terror attacks and to report any suspicious activities to the Task Force Davao hotline numbers: Landline: 224-0911, Smart: (0999) 227 1111, and Globe: (0917) 131 4333.
Kraft said the motive behind the threat was revenge.
“The suspect was blaming someone who filed a case against him and he just wanted to exact revenge,” he said.
Public Safety and Security Command Center (PSSCC) head Angel Sumagaysay said an unidentified person left a threat letter in front of the City Hall, which alarmed the security forces and the city. The suspect’s identity was later determined after the investigation.
The PSSCC chief further assured the public that the security cluster is on top of the situation. Law enforcers and security forces are on high alert to ensure public safety.
Authorities meanwhile reminded the public to exercise the culture of security – volunteer, participate, remind and report, to thwart possible atrocities and prevent another fatal attack, similar to the Roxas Night Market bombing.CIO
