Three boxes abandoned beside a bridge in Opol, Misamis Oriental caused alarm and a bomb scare among motorists and residents nearby.

Personnel of the Opol Municipal Polcie Station cordoned off the eastbound lane of the Opol national highway after the unattended boxes were discovered by the road.

Police said a concerned citizen reported the abandoned boxes, prompting them to request assistance from the Explosives Ordnance Division (EOD) Team.

Authorities said the boxes were taped and sealed properly.

“Naka-tape man siya… proper naman yung pag-box sa iya. Wala nato gisugal ang situation base din sa protocol nato… nagpatawag gyud dayon ta og EOD para ma-address,” Opol Municipal Police Station Chief, Major Antonio Luy Jr., said.

An EOD team, along wih a bomb-sniffing dog, inspected the boxes but found no indication of explosive materials.

After opening the boxes, authorities found that they contained only garbage.

Investigators have also identified the person who left the boxes.

“Atong gipatawag ang tag-iya sa basura ug nag-report naman sila… aminado naman sila nga ilaha. Accordingly, aduna sila’y provider sa ilang basura… naay nagakolekta sa ilang basura and then wala na sila kabalo pagkuha sa ilang basura og asa na,” Luy added.

An ordinance citation ticket was issued to the owner for violating the town’s solid waste management ordinance.

Police reminded the public to avoid leaving items unattended in public places as such actions can cause public alarm and may lead to possible criminal charges.