MANILA, Philippines — Employees of the Department of Foreign Affairs in Pasay City were evacuated yesterday due to a bomb threat, disrupting the DFA’s consular services.
The bomb threat was received at around 6:30 a.m.
Two email addresses – morata.aubriel@yahoo.com and melodygementiza7@gmail.com – sent the bomb threat to Philippine consulates in Sydney, Ontario and Hong Kong, according to the DFA.
The information was immediately forwarded to a group chat by the DFA’s executive director, prompting immediate action.
DFA intelligence unit chief Raymund Toledo instructed all department offices to implement precautionary measures.
Pamela Joy Tulio, DFA security radio control officer, informed the Pasay police about the bomb threat at 8:43 a.m.
Members of the Special Weapons and Tactics team as well as Explosive Ordnance Disposal were dispatched to conduct a thorough sweep of the DFA premises.
The response team led by Capt. Wilbert Aticao was accompanied by the Philippine Coast Guard’s K9 Unit under Lt. Sgt. Michael Jayson de Torres.
After sweeping the DFA offices for almost one hour, authorities found no bomb.
The incident disrupted DFA operations, with consular appointments canceled or delayed.
Felix de Leon, head of the DFA intelligence security unit, said an internal investigation is underway to identify the source of the threat and assess any potential lapses in security.