FOLLOWING recent security scares in the city, the Davao City Police Office (DCPO) issued a warning to the public on Thursday, Jan 22, that bomb threats are no joke, and those responsible will face up to five years in prison.
Acting city director Col Mannan Caracas Muarip emphasized that the DCPO is cracking down on the spread of false information regarding explosives, whether delivered in person or via social media.
“Public safety is our top priority,” Muarip stated. “The Davao City Police Office will exhaust all legal means to identify and prosecute those who cause alarm and fear through false threats.”
Under Presidential Decree No. 1727 (the Anti-Bomb Joke Law), any individual found guilty of spreading false information about bombs or explosives faces imprisonment of up to five years and up to P40,000 in fines.
The DCPO highlighted that even “prank” threats cause massive disruption as they have to deploy to EOD-K9 (Explosive Ordnance Disposal) teams for every report.
“These threats not only endanger lives but also undermine the peace and security of our city,” it added.
The warning comes as the police coordinate with the Regional Anti-Cybercrime Unit (RACU) XI to track digital footprints left by individuals using “dump accounts” or social media to incite panic.
Authorities reminded citizens that “words and actions have consequences,” and the anonymity of the internet does not grant immunity from prosecution.
