BAGUIO CITY – Normal business transactions at the storey Justice Hall resumed at around 10:30 am Thursday after explosive and bomb experts declared the structure free from any danger after prank texters spread a bomb scare around 7:25 am.
The bomb threat at the Justice Hall was sent vis short messaging system (SMS) by an anonymous sender using sim number 0927-769-1045 to the mobile phone of Judge Mia Joy Ollares-Cawed of the Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 4.
The message stated “Grupo ng mga taga ROMAN AYSON MUSLIM nagpasok daw ng bomba sa justice hall ng baguio protesta kay judge reyes sa mga panggigipit sa mga muslim, alas diyes ng umaga daw ang detonation.”
Upon receipt of the text message, Judge Cawed immediately informed the Baguio City Police Office, which is just a stone throw away from the Justice hall, about the matter for assistance.
Subsequently, personnel of the BCPO led by Superintendent Brent Madiaco, deputy city director for administration, members of the Explosives and Ordinance Division (EOD), Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) and personnel of Station No. 7 responded and secured the area.
Officials and employees of the different offices inside the Justice Hall were advised to vacate their posts and stay within distance from the structure for safety in case of possible explosions.
EOD SWAT team led by SPO3 Domingo Sario conducted paneling at the area. At around 10:15 AM Thursday, the team declared the area clear from any explosive or suspicious materials.
Interviews was conducted with Claro Aburin Bungos, 48, security guard under Masada Security Agency, Inc., roving guard at the right wing of Justice Hall; and Sergeant Eric Barbosa Bolinget, 51, MP Sentinel (Phil. Army) at Camp Allen, Baguio City who averred that at around 6:50 AM Thursday, a BENECO transformer situated nearby sparked.
Jeff Dela Cruz, radio operator of BENECO confirmed that they received a telephone call at around 6:56 AM that their Sectionalizer malfunctioned and it was restored at around 7:46 am Thursday.
