Bomb scares

Abomb threat is the last thing you want to receive on your phones or hear from others with the recent events in Mindanao lately. However, the recent bombings in the island did not stop others from sending bomb threats that resulted inconveniences to other people.

On Tuesday, Malayan Colleges of Mindanao was a victim of some sick people who thought it would be nice to send them a false bomb threat. The school had to mobilize its security and tap the authorities to ensure the safety of its students, faculty, and staff.

Bomb jokes and threats or spreading it is never a good idea. It will only cause unnecessary inconvenience and panic to people.

While it has been reminded to the public over and over again, we would like to remind everyone that you may face dire consequences when you make bomb jokes or are found to be spreading them.

Presidential Decree 1727, also known as the anti-bomb joke law, declares as unlawful the malicious dissemination of false information or the willful making of any threat concerning bombs, explosives, or any similar device or means of destruction.

Those found guilty of the crime will face imprisonment of not more than five years or a fine of not more P40,000 or both at the discretion of the court.

“Do not support terrorism by spreading false bomb alarm or joke. We will seek you and arrest you,” said Davao City Police Office director police senior superintendent Alexander Tagum, adding that bomb scares are a tactic of the terrorists to scare the public.

Though we may feel fear instantly after receiving such information, we should always be mindful of the other people and the consequences that may happen of sending bombing threats.

Instead of reporting it immediately on social media or sending it to your friends and family immediately, better send or report it to authorities first. With the amount of information we receive these days, we should always practice the value of verification.