Suspect Arrested for Threatening Comelec Offices
Authorities apprehended a 38-year-old man after he allegedly offered a cash reward to anyone willing to bomb Commission on Elections (Comelec) offices just days before the national and local elections. This alarming situation prompted an immediate investigation following online posts threatening attacks on government election facilities.
Details of the Threat and Investigation
The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) arrested the suspect at his residence after tracing his online activity. Authorities found that the man had publicly posted threats to bomb Comelec offices, even offering a P5 million reward to anyone who would carry out the attack.
“Nag-offer pa siya ng P5 million to bomb Comelec offices, na-alarma kami at ang Comelec, hindi ito biro,” said Atty. Renan Oliva, NBI Cebu regional director. (He even offered P5 million to anyone who would bomb Comelec offices. This is alarming, not just for us but for the Comelec as well. This is no joke.)
The threats surfaced around May 5, roughly a week before the elections, and remained visible online during election day and the vote counting period, causing concern among officials.
Legal Charges Filed Against Suspect
Following his arrest, the suspect underwent inquest proceedings at the Cebu Prosecutor’s Office but has yet to release a public statement. Authorities charged him with violating Presidential Decree 1727 for willfully making bomb threats, which carries a prison sentence of up to five years. Additionally, he faces charges under Section 9 of Republic Act 11479, the Anti-Terrorism Act, for inciting terrorism.
“Ang chinarge nakin sa kanya, violation of PD 1727 that is willful making of any threat involving bombs na may five years na kulong. Chinarge din namin siya ng Section 9 of RA 11479 (Anti-Terrorism Act) inciting to commit terrorism. You must be responsible ‘pag nag-post ka. Although you have the right to do that, but make sure yung right mo hindi lalabag sa batas,” Oliva emphasized. (Our charge against him violation o PD 1727 that is willful making of any threat involving bombs that has five years imprisonment. We also charged him Section 9 or RA 11479 inciting to commit terrorism. You must be responsible if you post. Although you have the right to do that, but make sure your right does not violate any law.)
Ongoing Investigation and Public Safety Concerns
The authorities continue to investigate whether others were involved or influenced by the suspect’s online threats. They are also examining how widespread the impact of his posts may have been on public safety and election security.
The incident highlights the importance of responsible online behavior, especially during sensitive periods such as elections. Law enforcers warn that freedom of speech must not cross the line into criminal acts or threats that endanger public order.
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