The Philippine National Police (PNP) will partner up with the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) and telecommunications companies in a bid to deter bomb threats.
The PNP stated on Thursday, citing bomb threats against the University of Batangas last Aug. 18; Bicol University last Oct. 8; and Davao Wisdom Academy last Oct. 22.
‘The Anti-Cybercrime Group (ACG) is enhancing its partnership with the DICT, telcos and [social media] platform administrators to trace and block online accounts used to issue threats or spread unverified reports about supposed bomb incidents,’ the PNP said in the statement. The law enforcement agency noted that Presidential Decree No. 1727 penalizes false bomb threats with up to five years in prison and a fine of up to P40,000.
‘If you receive a threat or you see a suspicious object, report it immediately to the police. It will be better to verify it first with the authorities to avoid panic and false news,’ Acting PNP Chief Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. reminded the public in the statement.