THE National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) swiftly mobilized and teamed up with the Japan Police Attaché and various law enforcement agencies to probe the bomb threats reported via email to several government agencies and local government units.
In a statement released through the Justice Department’s Public Information Office, NBI Director Medardo De Lemos assures the public that the safety and well-being of citizens remain the utmost priority, and every effort will be made to ensure a swift resolution to this alarming situation.
“We urge the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities or information related to this case to the authorities. The NBI is committed to conducting a thorough and impartial investigation, leaving no stone unturned in the pursuit of justice. We will keep the public informed of any significant developments in this case,” he said as posted on abogado.com
The sender of the emails, under the name “Takahiro Karasawa,” claimed to be a Japanese attorney associated with the “Steadiness Law Office” and purportedly possessing expertise in bomb-making.
In the emails, Karasawa threatened the detonation of bombs targeting major Philippine government institutions around 3:34 pm on February 12, 2024.
Reports of these threats circulated widely on social media platforms, prompting the closure of some schools and government offices, including the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).
At 3:50 a.m. on February 12, the Department of Education (DepEd) in Bataan received the alarming message.
“I have planted high-performance explosives in major Philippine government offices. These explosives are set to detonate at approximately 3:34 p.m. on February 12. Unlike prior threats, these will result in casualties,” wrote Karasawa.
As a precautionary measure, DepEd Bataan suspended classes in public schools.
