Authorities have filed criminal charges against a 19-year-old man who allegedly posted a bomb joke during a livestream of the Kadayawan Festival.

According to the Davao City Police Office (DCPO), the suspect was charged with malicious dissemination of false information concerning bombs and explosives under Presidential Decree No. 1727 before the Office of the City Prosecutor.

Bail was set at P42,000.

DCPO said PD 1727 is a law that penalizes false explosive reports.

The comment on social media said that an explosive device had been planted along the coastal road.

Personnel from the Explosives Ordnance Division (EOD) and SWAT teams found the area safe while cybercrime investigators traced the post to the suspect who was arrested, subsequently.

Police said the arrest highlights the legal consequences that await individuals who make or spread false bomb threats, including those behind online threats targeting schools in Davao City.

DCPO reiterated that making or spreading false bomb threats, whether online or in person, is a serious criminal offense, and violators may face arrest, a criminal record, and possible imprisonment.

"Public safety is never a joke, and spreading false threats is a punishable crime under the law," DCPO Director, Col. Peter Madria, said.

"A reckless comment creates public panic and wastes vital security resources. What happened to this suspect will happen to anyone else who commits this crime. To those targeting our schools or public gatherings: we treat every threat with absolute seriousness. Whatever it takes, anyone who violates the law shall face its full length,” he added.

DCPO said cybercrime units have been deployed to track, arrest, and prosecute anyone committing these criminal acts.