PNP backs stiffer penalties vs hoax bomb threats

PNP backs stiffer penalties vs hoax bomb threats | Daily Tribune

The Philippine National Police (PNP) has expressed its support for a proposed Senate measure that seeks to impose stiffer penalties for individuals responsible for hoax bomb threats, particularly those made through digital platforms.

Acting PNP Chief P/Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said the proposed legislation, Senate Bill No. 1076 filed by Senator Jinggoy Ejercito Estrada, aims to update the outdated Presidential Decree No. 1727.

The key change would be to expand penalties to cover threats made through social media, messaging apps, and other digital channels.

“The Philippine National Police supports this proposed measure as this will add more teeth in running after those engaging in bomb threats, including through the online platforms,” Nartatez said.

The PNP Chief cited that the move is critical following a series of hoax bomb threats that have recently disrupted classes at schools, including Davao Wisdom Academy on 22 October, as well as incidents reported at Bicol University and Batangas University in previous months.

Nartatez added that a technical working group from the PNP may be formed to provide input to refine the measure.

The PNP is currently coordinating with telecommunications companies, the Department of Information and Communications Technology, and social media platforms to help curb the spread of false threats.

The measure “False Bomb Threat Prohibition Act” was filed on the heels of a disturbing series of hoax bomb threats that disrupted operations in schools and government offices in Bulacan, Bicol, Cebu, Caloocan City and Manila.

In Pampanga, a 21-year-old woman was charged with sending online bomb threats to several schools, while operations at the Office of the Vice President were temporarily halted due to a similar incident earlier this year.

Recognizing the evolution of communication technologies, the bill seeks to expand the scope to include threats made via social media, messaging apps, and other digital platforms, and designates a lead implementing agency to oversee enforcement and public awareness campaigns.