ILOILO City – The Iloilo City Police Office (ICPO) has sounded the alarm: using cellphones or going live on social media near suspected bombs could trigger an explosion.
ICPO spokesperson Police Major Shella Mae Sangrines stressed that electronic signals from mobile devices may accidentally detonate an explosive, endangering not only the person using the gadget but also the entire community.
“As much as possible, we discourage going live. Media usually waits for clearance from the Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) team, but our concern is with netizens who immediately stream without considering the risks,” Sangrines warned.
The reminder came after a September 9 bomb scare in Barangay San Vicente, Jaro district here, where a large parcel left outside a residence caused panic.
Police noted that real-time social media updates worsened the fear among residents.
Authorities emphasized the golden rule: “Don’t Touch.”
Residents are urged to stay at least 300 meters away from suspicious items and report these immediately through hotline 911 or the tactical operations number 0908-367-0194.
Sangrines also issued a stern reminder against making bomb jokes, saying violators face penalties under Presidential Decree (PD) No. 1727, or the Anti-Bomb Joke Law.
“Vigilance and discipline are crucial in preventing panic and ensuring community safety,” she said.
Under PD 1727, those who willfully make threats or spread false information about bombs may face up to five years in prison, a fine of as much as ₱40,000, or both./PN
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AJ PALCULLO/OPN
A member of the Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) team of the Iloilo City Police Office inspects an unattended parcel outside a residence in Barangay San Vicente, Jaro, Iloilo City, on September 9, as police secure the perimeter following a bomb scare.
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AJ PALCULLO/OPN
Police tape marks the spot where a large parcel was abandoned in Barangay San Vicente, Jaro, Iloilo City. The suspicious package, which triggered a bomb scare on September 9, was later found to contain only pizza boxes.
