Bomb scare that hit Tacloban Justice Hall a hoax; more strict security measures set

By Philippine Information Agency (PIA 8)
October 27, 2011

TACLOBAN CITY  –  The bomb scare that caused chaos, traffic jam, and fear at the Bulwagan ng Katarungan in Tacloban City in the morning of October 26, was declared a hoax.

However, it was enough warning to effect more strict security measures in the Halls of Justice located along Magsaysay Boulevard in the city of Tacloban.

In the morning of October 27, new security measures were observed to have been set in place with all those coming inside the Bulwagan grounds, including the judges, undergo strict inspection of all their belongings, bags, envelopes, etc.

To recall, a call was received by an employee of the Regional Trial Court Branch 34 in Bulwagan ng Katarungan in Tacloban at around 8:30 in the morning of Wednesday, October 26, claiming that a bomb inside the facility will explode at 10: 00 o’clock in the morning.

The Philippine National Police (PNP) was contacted and immediately police elements secured the area and an Explosive and Ordnance Division (EOD) team immediately surveyed the facility.

Later, the rescue team from the Bureau of Fire Protection also arrived to help in the situation.

"There was a box that was left to the guard but nobody is claiming it, and so it is really suspicious," Judge Alphinor Serrano said.

The EOD team opened the said box, only to find out that it contained kitchen wares.

Nevertheless, the team continued surveying the area but did not find any explosives in the premises.

"Even if it was a hoax, prank call, we have to find out the motive behind the threat," said Senior Superintendent Wilson Caubat, Tacloban City Police Office director.