Bomb threat turns out to be a prank

CEBU, Philippines - A bus discontinued its trip to the south when one passenger received a bomb threat through her phone yesterday morning in Pakigne, Minglanilla town.

"Ayaw mo og sakay ana nga Ceres bus kay naa nay bomba," the message, received by Jennifer Mangubat, 38, a resident of Apas, Lahug, Cebu City, stated.

The bus, which bore body number 0591and which had 21 passengers on board, was bound for Bato-Samboan from the Cebu South Bus Terminal.

Mangubat checked her cellular phone after she received a text message and was frightened with what she read.

She immediately told bus driver Guarnes Alejo who accompanied her to the police station while all passengers of the bus disembarked.

Policemen led by Chief Inspector Laurel Almirante responded to the incident.

Also on hand were the Bomb Disposal Unit of the Cebu Provincial Police Office, led by police superintendent Rodulfo Albotra, provincial intelligence branch chief, and the canine unit of the Central Command.

The operatives said no bomb was found after going through the baggage, hand bags, and other cargo.

Moments later the bus was on its way to its destination.

Almirante told The FREEMAN that Mangubat did not know who sent the message.

"Nahibung siya asa gikan kay kahibaw gyud nga nagsakay siya og bus," Almirante said. (FREEMAN)