PNP meets security heads of malls, schools, hotels amid rash of 'bomb threats'

From InterAksyon (Sep 8): PNP meets security heads of malls, schools, hotels amid rash of 'bomb threats'

The Philippine National Police met Wednesday the security managers of malls, schools and hotels in connection with the rash of bomb threats days after a deadly night-market explosion killed 14 people in Davao City.

Even though all the bomb threats received since Friday night's Davao blast turned out to be negative, authorities are not taking any chances.

Typical of the rash of threats is a Facebook chat giving details of an alleged bomb threat targeting one of the country's biggest mall chains.

According to the chat, supposedly coming from a source in the mall management, they received a call from the Abu Sayyaf demanding $15 million. Supposedly, the ASG warned that if they don't get the money within one week, they will blow up the mall.

Curiously, the supposed source within mall management gave a "well-meaning" advice to people not to visit the mall.

The mall in question denied to police that they got such a "threat" from the Abu Sayyaf, but are verifying the source of the FB rumor.

Meanwhile, the mall security managers admitted that their current practice of just poking into bags with a stick is not enough to flush out hazardous items.

The PNP thus advised them to install metal detectors and K9 units in their most crowded spots.
At Wednesday's meeting of the PNP with the security managers of malls, hotels and schools, PNP chief Gen. Ronald dela Rosa appealed to those receiving threats or messages to promptly forward these to authorities.

"Please don't panic. For all you know, ito'y kagagawan lang ng mga estudyante na ayaw lang pumasok sa paaralan [this may just be the handiwork of students who don't want to attend classes]. What I can assure you is that PNP is doing its job," said dela Rosa.

Meanwhile, the security managers of schools are also investigating the rash of bomb threats that have hit several Metro Manila schools this week.

In a statement, the Department of Education earlier said it requested the PNP to increase police visibility around schools, even though the bomb threats so far have turned out negative. DepEd also directed all school officials to be alert at all times.

The Eastern Police District and Pasig police also met with barangay officials, building administrators and security officers in the Ortigas business district, and reminded them of standard operating procedures: among others, not to simply pick up abandoned stuff in public places, as such may explode.

The security officers were told to quickly call 911 or the nearest police station for help.

http://interaksyon.com/article/132236/pnp-meets-security-heads-of-malls-schools-hotels-amid-rash-of-bomb-threats