A MAN was arrested on Sunday, January 30, 2022, after threatening to throw a grenade at a security checkpoint in Davao City.
In a press release from Task Force (TF) Davao, authorities identified the suspect as Eric Daque, 42, a telco technician and a resident of Valencia, Bukidnon traveling to Davao City.
The incident happened at the TF Davao Sirawan Checkpoint in Davao City.
According to the duty inspector, while conducting a thorough inspection at the light vehicle inspection area, the suspect uttered the words "Naa koy dalang granada diri sa akoang bag! Unsay gusto ninyo, pabuthon nako ni sa tunga sa dalan? (I have a grenade inside my bag! Do you want me to detonate it in the middle of the road?)"
The TF Davao personnel immediately coordinated with the Davao City Police Office (DCPO) and arrested the suspect.
Daque is now under the custody of Toril Police Station for documentation.
TF Davao Commander Darren Comia told SunStar Davao in a phone interview that they are still determining the motive of the suspect in uttering the threat.
He said no grenade was seen upon inspecting the vehicle.
Meanwhile, Comia said Daque will face charges in reference to Presidential Decree 1727: Malicious dissemination of false information of the willful making of any threat concerning bombs, explosives or any similar device or means of destruction.
"We enjoined everyone to support the Culture of Security in Davao City. Huwag tayong magbibiro sa ating tropa dahil dadating talaga ang punto na iimbitahan sila sa presinto (Let us not make such jokes on our troops because eventually you will jailed.) Even if it's a joke, it's a violation of the law,” Comia said.
He also urged the public to cooperate with the security, especially those at checkpoints.