Photo courtesy of PNA
Metropolitan Manila Development Authority General Manager Nicolas Torre III warned that people spreading bomb threats and other online security threats could face criminal charges and searches of their electronic devices.
Speaking during the graduation ceremony of Pangasinan State University on Wednesday, Torre said authorities could seek a Warrant to Search and Seize Electronics and Computer Data against individuals found responsible for posting threats online.
He said those behind bomb threats and other forms of rumor-mongering should not assume they could avoid accountability, adding that such acts were punishable under existing laws.
Torre also said social media companies have been quick to cooperate with authorities in investigations involving terrorism-related concerns by providing registration details when legally requested.
His warning came as police intensified efforts against online threats targeting schools in Pangasinan.
The Pangasinan Police Provincial Office earlier placed two minors under custodial procedures following separate investigations into online security threats that disrupted classes in parts of the province.
Police recovered a pellet gun and a baseball bat allegedly used in a threatening video posted in Rosales. The items were turned over to the Rosales Municipal Police Station as evidence, while the minor involved was set to undergo intervention by the Department of Social Welfare and Development.
Authorities also identified another minor in Bayambang as the alleged source of a separate online threat. Police assured the public that schools remained safe and warned that those responsible for similar incidents would face appropriate legal action.