MPD responds to bomb threat in Manila

Several employees of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas received an email containing a bomb threat on Thursday, according to the Manila Police District (MPD).

Based on the police report, authorities around 9:40 a.m. received a call about the bomb threat. BSP employees received the email from a certain “Hiroaki Yamanoka,” an alleged Japanese lawyer.

“The email contained a bomb threat targeting public transportation in the Philippines, purportedly set to occur around 3:34 p.m. on the same date,” the MPD said.

Due to this, the MPD District Explosive and Canine Unit (DECU) were immediately dispatched to conduct a thorough paneling and search operation within the BSP’s vicinity.

No bomb was found.

“After an extensive and careful sweep, no explosive or hazardous materials were found or detected,” the MPD said.

“BSP security personnel were advised to tighten and enhance their security protocols and maintain heightened vigilance moving forward,” the police added.

The case has been referred to the MPD Manila and District Anti-Cybercrime Team (MDACT) for further investigation and appropriate action.

All police station commanders were ordered to heighten monitoring and vigilance over public transportation and places of convergence.

Stringent security protocols will be implemented in coordination with transport groups and operators as well as other relevant agencies, according to the MPD. —VAL, GMA Integrated News