PNP taking bomb threats against two schools seriously

The Philippine National Police is taking the recent bomb threats against two schools in Metro Manila seriously.

 

PNP spokesperson Senior Superintendent Wilben Mayor said the police's intelligence and investigation units were "conducting an assessment of circumstances surrounding two recent incidents of alleged bomb threats on two schools in Manila and Quezon City even as security forces continue to monitor unusual activities elsewhere in Metro Manila and other key cities."

 

The US Embassy in Manila on Thursday warned its nationals in the Philippines against a possible bomb plot, following reports that suspects involved in such a plot were arrested in Metro Manila.

 

In its security message, the embassy cited media reports that three men "known to have links to terrorist organizations" were arrested in Quezon City on Tuesday.

 

Bomb threats were called in at the San Beda College in Manila on Tuesday and at the Miriam College in Quezon City on Thursday, prompting school authorities to suspend classes on those days.

 

Earlier, a report on The Philippine Star also indicated that three men with links to an extremist group were arrested in Quezon City.

 

"[We] are continuously validating all reports related to the recent arrest of three suspects arrested by QCPD while carrying a handgrenade and other items," Mayor said in a statement.

 

"While we are not discounting the possibility that some quarters may be exploiting the situation to create hysteria and fear, we'd rather take these threats with utmost prudence and due diligence," he added. 

 

Mayor assured "the public of the readiness of the Philippine National Police in addressing any threat of this nature, and thwarting any attempt by threat groups to sow fear and anxiety among our people."
 

"We appeal to the public to remain calm, vigilant and alert in reporting to authorities any unusual movement or activities of suspicious persons," Mayor said.

 

"Any information may be reported thru the nationwide public safety helpline PATROL 117 or PNP Text  0917-847-5757 for immediate police assistance," he added. —NB, GMA News