2 suspects tagged in series of bomb threats at Lipa schools

MANILA — Two brothers have been identified as the alleged perpetrators behind a series of bomb threats sent to several schools in Lipa City, Batangas.

The threats, which began in August, were sent through dummy Facebook accounts and caused fear and disruption in the community, according to Philippine National Police Public Information Office chief PCol. Allen Rae Co.

“One particular school in Lipa City kept on receiving threats online. So it created fear, some panic siguro dun sa mga estudyante, syempre with what’s happening sa ating mga kababayan,” Co said.

The incidents reportedly led to the suspension of classes and created fear among students and residents.

Authorities later obtained a Warrant to Search, Seize and Examine Computer Data (WSSECD), which allowed them to examine the suspects’ electronic devices.

Based on the investigation, the younger brother is a student of the school that initially received the threats.

“They’re thinking that they will not be recognized or identified while using aliases or mga dummy accounts sa social media. So, nag-branch out na sila. They threatened other institutions,” Co said.

Co said their initial findings indicate that they may have made the threats simply for the sake of doing it, but authorities are also looking into other possible factors.

“Wala naman po talaga silang capability to get a hold of firearms or all the more mga explosives. So wala po talagang threat,” he said.

“Making bomb jokes is no joke. This is not a laughing matter. Hindi po ito nakakatawa pag hinaharap na natin,” he stressed.

The PNP warned that the brothers and those behind such threats could face imprisonment and fines under existing laws, with penalties potentially increasing when the offenses are committed through cybercrime.

The possible charges include alarms and scandals, which carries a penalty of one to thirty days in jail.

The suspects may also face grave threats and violations of the Anti-Bomb Joke Law.

“Ito po kasi ay alarming na, na nagiging trend. This has to stop. And they should realize that what we are doing in the cyber world is real-world consequences,” Co stressed.