Student held for school bomb threat

MANILA, Philippines — A 22-year-old Grade 8 student was responsible for the bomb scare that hit the Ponciano Bernardo High School in Quezon City on Thursday.

Elfrank Emil Anthony Kadusale, an alternative learning system student of the school, was arrested by operatives of the Quezon City Police District in Barangay San Martin de Porres at around 2 p.m., QCPD director Brig. Gen. Nicolas Torre III said.

Kadusale was identified as the one who posted a message on the school’s Facebook page that he had planted a bomb on campus.

He also demanded P100,000 to be given to a teacher in return for not blowing up the school. It turned out to be a hoax as police found no explosive.

The suspect’s threat resulted in the suspension of classes as students were in the middle of their second quarter examinations.

Citing their investigation, Torre said Kadusale created a Facebook account using the profile picture of his classmate.

The suspect’s classmate, when interviewed by police, said he knew Kadusale was the one responsible for the bomb threat.

The student texted Kadusale and asked to meet him at the barangay hall to clarify the issue.

Acting on the information, operatives of the QCPD Station 7 under the supervision of Lt. Col. Joseph Euje Almaquer went to the barangay hall and confronted Kadusale.

Police asked for Kadusale’s cell phone, which he submitted for verification.

Kadusale’s classmate then confirmed that it was the suspect’s account used in the bomb threat.

The suspect is being held on charges of violating Presidential Decree (PD) 1727, or the Anti-Bomb Joke Law, in relation to Republic Act 10175 or the Cybercrime Prevention Act and robbery extortion.

Torre warned the public to refrain from making bomb jokes as they could face charges.

Police are investigating if Kadusale was also responsible for two other bomb threats at the New Era Elementary School and the San Francisco High School, but he denied he was involved in the two incidents.

Crackdown

Mayor Joy Belmonte yesterday warned that the city government will “go after those who spread false information or pranks about bomb threats. Our schools are supposed to be a safe place for our students, and we will not take these pranks and threats lightly.”

She issued the statement following a consultation meeting with the QCPD after classes in New Era Elementary School, Emilio Jacinto National High School, San Francisco High School and Ponciano Bernardo High School were disrupted due to bomb scares.

Torre said the QCPD will work closely with the city government to arrest individuals spreading false information.

Belmonte also called on the city council to craft an ordinance prescribing heavier penalties or fines against anyone who disseminates false information about bombs or explosives.

Bomb scares or pranks are considered a violation under PD 1727, which punishes bomb jokes or false bomb threats with a prison term of not less than five years, a P40,000 fine or both.