A LATE afternoon bomb threat halted the operation of Banco de Oro (BDO) Bacolod Plaza branch and caused traffic jam on Araneta-Gonzaga Streets in Bacolod City on Wednesday.
Senior Inspector Richard Fajarito, chief of Police Station 1, said that bank manager Jose Ocampo received a call around 4:30 p.m. from an unidentified man, saying he has left a bomb in the establishment that will explode soon.
Around 5:30 p.m., assistant marketing officer Alex Dular also received a call relaying the same information, prompting the management to seek police assistance, Fajarito said.
Senior Superintendent Flynn Dongbo, officer-in-charge of Bacolod City Police Office, led police operatives, members of Special Weapons and Tactics (Swat) team, and bomb expert Demi Montoya in responding to the area.
The Philippine Coast Guard-Bacolod also deployed its canine units to assist policemen who ordered bank employees and clients to vacate the establishment.
The Araneta-Gonzaga junction was temporarily closed, causing heavy traffic.
After a search that lasted for an hour and a half, authorities declared the area negative of bomb.
“It was purely prank call, as there was no sign that any bomb was planted inside the establishment,” Fajarito said.
Ocampo told the police that he does not have a conflict with anyone who could initiate the bomb threat.
Fajarito said the police are coordinating with the Philippine Long Distance Telephone Company to trace the suspect who made the calls.
He also warned the perpetrator to stop making prank calls that can create public panic and damage to business.
Any establishment that receive such threats are advised to immediately call authorities and leave the area.
Dongbo said it was not yet established if the suspect used a mobile phone or a landline to call the bank since “the number was not registered.”
The city police chief urged the public to report any bomb scare so that law enforcement agencies can take action right away.