It is known that an email from a certain Takahiro Karasawa, who claims to be a Japanese lawyer, stated that there are allegedly “high-performance bombs” set in Philippine government facilities, scheduled to detonate at exactly 3:34 PM yesterday
Japanese Lawyer Identified as Sole Source of Bomb Threats
Yesterday, at least seven government offices and two schools in Metro Manila, Bataan, and Zambales had operational disruptions due to bomb threats received via email and text messages. This was a startling turn of events.
The person posing as Takahiro Karasawa, a Japanese lawyer, is suspected of being the mastermind behind this recent flurry of threats. This is not the first time Karasawa has targeted government institutions.
The Philippine National Police (PNP) revealed that the same suspect was responsible for similar bomb threats in September and October of the previous year. Col. Jean Fajardo, Chief of the PNP Public Information Office, pointed out the concerning consistency in the delivery of threats through the same email address.
The list of targeted establishments reads like a roster of key government offices: the National Housing Authority, Commission on Audit, Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Philippine Competition Commission, Power Sector Assets and Liabilities Management (PSALM), Department of Science and Technology in Bicutan, Taguig, Insurance Commission in Ermita, Manila, Panghulo Elementary School in Malabon, Pasig Elementary School in Barangay San Nicolas, and the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT).
“Precision teamwork in action: Explosive Ordnance Disposal and K-9 units meticulously inspecting all targeted facilities for enhanced security.”
To ensure the safety of occupants, the affected offices swiftly implemented precautionary measures, including evacuations and thorough checks conducted by Explosive Ordnance Disposal and K-9 units.
PNP Chief Benjamin Acorda Jr. emphasized the seriousness of the threats at a news conference at Camp Bagong Diwa, as well as the continued cooperative efforts with foreign agencies to track down the suspect.
The supposed sender of one of the emails denied any involvement, saying his email had been hacked or his identity had been assumed, despite the fact that the email’s origin had been properly located.
Despite the threats ultimately being determined as hoaxes, Acorda emphasized the importance of taking them seriously to prevent unnecessary disturbances, especially considering that some schools were forced to suspend classes. The motive behind the threats is suspected to be personal gain, creating chaos and disruptions.
Velasco did not name House members who supposedly received messages regarding an alleged bombing planned against the institution, but he says House Speaker Martin Romualdez was not among those threatened
In a significant move that coincided with the bomb threats, the US embassy sent the National Capital Region Police Office six P45 million Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) robots.
In responding to bomb threats, Acorda emphasized the importance of these robots in reducing hazards.
Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla promptly ordered the National Bureau of Investigation to conduct a thorough investigation into the matter.
The unverified email account attributed to Karasawa declared that bombs would detonate at major Philippine government agencies on February 12 at around 3:34 p.m.
Along with the PNP and the management information systems staff of the impacted offices, the Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center (CICC) is aggressively looking into the bomb threats.
A bomb threat that was ultimately found to be a fake was received by many authorities, including the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), according to Lucia Tangi, the CICC’s public relations officer.
Anti-riot police walk near the south gate of the Batasan Complex in Quezon City yesterday as the House of Representatives is now under heightened security after several legislators reportedly received bomb threats.
The CICC statement states that while there isn’t a need to be concerned just now, they are working to ask the Japanese government to look into the matter further and find out who sent the message.
Affected government agencies were encouraged to rehearse their emergency evacuation methods as part of emergency protocols in order to improve agency readiness generally.
Justice Secretary Remulla issued a stern warning, stating, “There should be no place for pranks or spreading fear among our people.Let this be a warning to those behind this that we will not tolerate such acts, and we will go after you with the full extent of the law.
As authorities work tirelessly to unmask the serial bomber, the community remains on edge, emphasizing the need for heightened security measures and public vigilance.-Skynews.com