Atienza warns prank callers

"Those issuing bomb threats are liable under the law and face imprisonment if caught."

This was the stern warning issued today by Manila Mayor Lito Atienza after a total of 20 bomb threats were received this week from still unidentified persons who called the Tactical Operations Center of the Western Police District as well as several schools in the city. Most turned out to be prank calls.

Among those victimized by the prank calls were the Mariano Ponce High School, Felipe Calderon High School, Mariano Ponce Integrated School, Isabelo de los Reyes Elementary Schol, Antonio Morga Elementary School and the Lakandula Elementary School.

The prank calls were made barely two weeks after five strong explosions rocked various parts of Metro Manila, causing death and serious injuries to civilians, many of them children. Two police officers were also killed when the bomb that they were trying to defuse exploded.

Atienza said that those caught making prank calls or issuing bomb threats could be held liable under the provision on public disorder of Article 153 of the Revised Penal Code. The provision states that those caught and found guilty of causing tumultuous disturbance or interruption liable to cause disturbance face a fine not exceeding one thousand pesos and a maximum of jail term of six years.

"Baka akala ng mga taong ito ay biro-biro lamang ang ginagawa nila. Hindi sila nakasisiguro na hindi sila mahuhuli. This is not funny at all and they could find themselves behind bars as a result of carrying out what they consider as practical jokes," Atienza said.

However, Atienza warned the public not to take such threats lightly since people could be hurt in the event that the threats are actually carried out.

"The police will continue to respond to these threats even if they turn out later on that these are just the handiwork of pranksters because our paramount concern is to ensure the safety of the public. We are also calling on the public to remain vigilant and to report any bomb threats to the police. It is better to be safe than sorry," said Atienza.