Bomb scare hits Tuguegarao BFP

BAYOMBONG, Nueva Vizcaya, Philippines – What was thought to be an improvised explosive left at the Tuguegarao City’s Bureau of Fire and Protection (BFP) office on New Year’s Day turned out to be just a pyrotechnic.

“It was only a fountain (or luces) that was left behind at the fire station. There was nothing for our townmates to fear,” said Superintendent Pedro Martirez, Tuguegarao City police chief.

The bomb scare came as the city’s BFP office was still under fire for its alleged delayed response to last month’s fire that engulfed the Bed and Breakfast Pension House, leaving 16 people, including 10 male nursing graduates, dead.