Man arrested for allegedly offering reward for blowing up Comelec offices

Authorities have arrested a 38-year-old man who allegedly offered a cash reward to anyone willing to blow up Commission on Elections (Comelec) offices just days before the national and local elections.

In the "24 Oras" report of John Consulta, the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) said the suspect was apprehended in his own home following an investigation into online posts where he reportedly threatened to attack government offices involved in the electoral process.

“Nag-offer pa siya ng P5 million to bomb Comelec offices, na-alarma kami at ang Comelec, hindi ito biro," said Atty. Renan Oliva, NBI Cebu regional director.

(He even offered P5 million to anyone who would bomb Comelec offices. This is alarming, not just for us but for the Comelec as well. This is no joke.)

The threats were made public around May 5, roughly a week before the election, and remained visible online even on election day and during the vote counting period.

The suspect has already undergone inquest proceedings at the Cebu Prosecutor’s Office and has yet to release an official statement.

"Ang chinarge nakin sa kanya, violation of PD 1727 that is willful making of any threat involving bombs na may five years na kulong. Chinarge din namin siya ng Section 9 of RA 11479 (Anti-Terrorism Act) inciting to commit terrorism. You must be responsible 'pag nag-post ka. Although you have the right to do that, but make sure yung right mo hindi lalabag sa batas," said Oliva.

(Our charge against him violation o PD 1727 that is willful making of any threat involving bombs that has five years imprisonment. We also charged him Section 9 or RA 11479 inciting to commit terrorism. You must be responsible if you post. Although you have the right to do that, but make sure your right does not violate any law.)

The investigation is ongoing as authorities seek to determine whether others were involved or influenced by the online threats. — Sherilyn Untalan/BAP, GMA Integrated News