Suspicious box causes alarm at South Bus Terminal

CEBU, Philippines - A suspicious package left inside the South Bus Terminal alarmed police and passengers yesterday morning but bomb experts who responded to the alarm later said it only contained kitchenware.

The box, left about 10 meters from the terminal’s main entrance, was first seen around 10 a.m. but police later became suspicious after no one claimed it after 30 minutes. This prompted them to seek assistance from the Special Weapons and Tactics team to verify its contents. 

Responding members of SWAT then brought the box to a vacant area at the South Road Properties where it was opened and they found out it only contained kitchenware, among which was a plastic dish rack. 

PO3 Marcelo Lerio, SWAT Improvised Explosive Device personnel, said the owner of the package was not identified but a sticker outside the box indicates a certain Moises Palisbo Jr. of Balite Drive, Suarez, Iligan City. A mobile phone number was also printed. 

The box was later returned to the terminal office.

Police have tightened security in ports and bus stations, as thousands flock to the terminals to return to their respective provinces for the Holy Week.

Policemen and personnel from the Land Transportation Office have been deployed to the terminals to implement strict security and to assist passengers.

Police Regional Office-7 director Federico Terte is expected to inspect the various terminals in the city today. – Niña G. Sumacot/JMO   (THE FREEMAN)