Hoax terrorist threats spread in W. Visayas

ILOILO CITY — Following a series of hoax terrorist threats, the Philippine National Police (PNP) is urging the public in Western Visayas to stop spreading false information.

“In case you come across any text message or social media posts regarding terrorist threats, please do not share,” appealed Supt. Gilbert Gorero, spokesman for the Police Regional Office (PRO).

“This is to avoid the spread of misinformation and panic,” added Gorero.

Last week, three false reports of terrorist threats in the region spread in the social media:

•A hostage incident at a school in Lambunao town, Iloilo on June 22.

•A bomb threat at the Hall of Justice in Roxas City, Capiz, on June 23.

•A bomb threat at a government bank in Jordan town, Guimaras, also on June 23.

The false reports came after the New People’s Army (NPA) raided the police station in Maasin town in Iloilo and the interception of three alleged Maute members in Iloilo City.

The attack on the Maasin station came at a time when police officials were calling on the public to report to authorities any dubious activities or the presence of suspicious strangers in their community.

Gorero reiterated that since martial law was declared in Mindanao, both the police and the military have been on heightened alert.

President Duterte imposed martial law to curb the spread of terrorist violence in Mindanao following the siege of Marawi City by Islamist extremists last month.