Bomb threat stirs Hall of Justice

DUMAGUETE CITY, Philippines  — Another bomb threat Wednesday afternoon shook the people inside the Negros Oriental Hall of Justice building in this city, even if it was found to be a hoax later on.

The bomb threat was the 4th time that rocked the judiciary offices, three of which took place last year.

This time it was received through a phone call to the Regional Trial Court-branch 38, which has no judge at p.m. that day.

Negros Oriental deputy provincial director for administration Supt. Roy Abella said the caller was a woman who was in a hurry and worried voice.

The still unidentified woman declared that a bomb will explode at the Hall of Justice but did not elaborate on the time and place it would occur, Abella said.

Responding policemen had to advice the employees and people inside the building to get out immediately.

Personnel of the Special Weapon and Tactics Team and the Explosives Ordnance Division of the Negros Oriental Police immediately inspected every room of the building, using bomb-sniffing dogs.

It was already 3:20 p.m., or over an hour later, when police authorities declared the Hall of Justice building clear of any bomb or incendiary. It turned out the threat was just a hoax.

Police Provincial director, Sr. Supt. Rey Lyndon Lawas, told The FREEMAN they are now investigating on who was the prank caller who used the word "kawsa," which describes a group of people advocating on issues and concerns of the poor.

Lawas warned the public that giving out false information on security threat is punishable with Presidential Decree 1727, and any body who does this can be imprisoned and fined.

Lawas further told The FREEMAN that they are now focusing on cases in the Hall of Justice that deals with agrarian reform and insurgency.

The bomb threat may be used by groups who are involved in these cases to interrupt the proceedings. (FREEMAN)