An 18-year-old suspect allegedly behind a series of online bomb threats targeting public and private schools in San Ildefonso, Bulacan was arrested hours after police launched a manhunt.
The suspect was apprehended at around 6:29 p.m. on July 21 in Barangay Hilera, Jaen, Nueva Ecija, through a joint operation by the San Ildefonso Municipal Police Station, Talavera MPS, and Jaen MPS.
Police said the threats, posted online on July 20 and 21, caused concern among students, parents, school officials, and residents. The suspect is facing charges for alleged violations of Presidential Decree No. 1727, or the Anti-Bomb Joke Law, and Article 282 of the Revised Penal Code in relation to Republic Act No. 10175, or the Cybercrime Prevention Act.
A cellular phone believed to have been used in the offense was recovered and will undergo technical and forensic examination.
Police Regional Office 3 Director PBGen Jess B. Mendez commended the operating teams and warned that bomb threats will be treated seriously, stressing that such acts can cause public panic and disrupt school operations.
Authorities urged the public to use social media responsibly and immediately report online threats or suspicious activities to the nearest police station.
