The Philippine National Police (PNP) has expressed full support for a proposed law imposing tougher penalties on individuals behind hoax bomb threats.
Acting PNP chief Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said the measure aligns with efforts to maintain peace and order while addressing the spread of false information.
“The Philippine National Police supports this proposed measure as this will add more teeth in running after those engaging in bomb threats, including through the online platforms,” Nartatez said.
Senate Bill No. 1076, filed by Sen. Jinggoy Ejercito Estrada, seeks to amend Presidential Decree No. 1727 to impose harsher penalties on those spreading false bomb threats. Estrada noted that the decades-old law must be updated to tackle the growing number of hoaxes causing public panic and disruption.
The bill expands coverage to include threats transmitted through social media, messaging apps, and other online platforms.
Nartatez added that the PNP may create a technical working group (TWG) to provide insights and technical inputs to help refine the bill.
“Through this proposed law, we are sending a clear message that those who weaponize fear through false threats will be brought to justice,” Nartatez said.
“Hindi natin papayagan na ang mga maling banta ay gamitin para magdulot ng takot at kaguluhan sa ating mga komunidad.”
The PNP is also strengthening coordination with telecommunications companies, the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), and social media administrators to curb online hoax threats. This follows recent false bomb scares that disrupted classes in Davao, Bicol, and Batangas universities.