Tag:

bomb prank

DCPO chief: Bomb jokes lead to prison, not just fines

by Rhoda Grace Saron January 23, 2026

written by Rhoda Grace Saron

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.

January 23, 2026 0 comments

News

Bomb threat disrupts classes at Cabantian high school

by Rhoda Grace Saron January 21, 2026

written by Rhoda Grace Saron

STUDENTS at Cabantian National High School were evacuated early Wednesday morning, Jan. 21, following a bomb threat sent via social media.

The threat was reported to the police at approximately 6:29 a.m. after a 12-year-old Grade 7 student received a message on Facebook Messenger from an account using the profile name “Dumpni Jo.”

The message, written in a mix of English and Bisaya, warned: “Good morning Cabantian National High School. This is not a prank. Listen to my every word, because if you don’t, it’s your fault to die that day… The clock is ticking.” (If you don’t, the deaths that day will be your fault).

Upon receiving the report, authorities immediately coordinated with school officials to evacuate students to the Barangay Cabantian gymnasium as a safety precaution.

The Davao City EOD-K9 Unit, led by PSMS Arsil Indagacan, arrived shortly after to conduct a thorough sweep and “paneling” of the campus.

By mid-morning, experts declared the area safe, reporting negative findings for any explosive devices.

Initial investigations revealed that the student who received the message had shared it with a classmate, who initially dismissed it as a scam and deleted the message from the recipient’s phone.

However, the students eventually alerted their teachers, triggering the emergency response.

Local police confirmed that the mobile phone used to receive the message will be turned over to the Regional Anti-Cybercrime Unit XI for digital forensic examination.

Appropriate charges will be filed against any person found violating the law, specifically those involving bomb jokes or threats.”

Under Presidential Decree No. 1727, the dissemination of false information concerning bombs carries a penalty of up to five years in prison and heavy fines.

Photo courtesy of DCPO

January 21, 2026 0 comments

News

Prankster found

by Rhoda Grace Saron October 24, 2025

written by Rhoda Grace Saron

14-year-old who confessed to bomb threats exempt from criminal liability

THE 14-YEAR-OLD prankster who led police on a merry chase after falsely claiming to have planted a bomb at Daniel R. Aguinaldo National High School (DRANHS) in Matina on Thursday, Oct 23.

According to the Davao City Police Office report, DRANHS principal Romeo S. Camilotes was alerted by students who saw the threatening Facebook post by alias Xy (TIMES is withholding his identity).

The post featured a photo of students in formation and was captioned in Bisaya: “TAPOK SAMO KAY GITAMNAN NANAKOG LANDMINE INYONG FIELD KARONG GABIUNA (Gather up because I planted a landmine in your field tonight).”

At approximately 10:05 a.m., personnel from Police Station 3 (Talomo) and the City Intelligence Unit (CIU) DCPO, led by Major Genesis P. Oriel, immediately responded to the alarm.

Further investigation confirmed that the account owner was a Grade 9 student residing in Km. 7, Matina Pangi, Davao City.

Further police verification revealed a pattern of behavior, indicating the minor had created multiple Facebook accounts to post similar threatening messages targeting other educational institutions, including Talomo National High School.

The joint police operation coordinated with Matina Pangi barangay officials and the mother, resulting in the rescue of the minor. He turned over the Realme Android phone to the Anti-Cybercrime Unit for analysis.

Upon interview, the teenager confessed to creating the post only to delete it later for fear of criminal charges.

The police confirmed that the minor was born in January 2011, which makes him exempt from criminal liability consistent with the provisions of Republic Act No. 9344 (Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act of 2006).

Further background checks revealed the minor had a history of behavioral issues at his previous school, DRANHS, including cutting classes, carrying a bladed weapon, possession of a pellet gun, threatening a female teacher, and creating trouble with classmates.

His parents had transferred him to Matina Pangi High School in June 2025 due to these multiple recorded issues.

Following the evaluation, the social worker advised the police to release the minor to the custody of his parents, subject to mandatory home visitation and counseling.

DCPO issues stern warning

Meanwhile, the DCPO warned that making or spreading bomb threats, regardless of intent, constitutes a serious criminal offense under Presidential Decree No. 1727 (PD 1727).

Under this law, any individual found guilty of making or circulating false bomb reports faces severe consequences, including imprisonment of up to five years and a fine of up to ₱40,000.00, or both, at the discretion of the court.

Col Mannan C. Muarip, the acting city director, said, “Public safety is our top priority. The Davao City Police Office will exhaust all legal means to identify and prosecute those who cause alarm and fear through false threats. Let us be responsible citizens and work together to keep Davao City safe and secure.”

October 24, 2025 0 comments