WEEKS after the Roxas Night Market bombing last September 2, two persons were charged before the City Prosecutor's Office (CPO) for making bomb jokes in different malls in Davao City.
The CPO recommended the filing of charges before the court against a man and is currently resolving a case against a woman for violation of Presidential Decree 1727 also known as the Malicious Dissemination of False Information or the willful making of any threat concerning bombs, explosives, or any similar device or means of destruction.
In a resolution dated September 14, Prosecutor Imee-Bisera Mabale has found probable cause to charge respondent Christian Sarijon Onggona for making a bomb joke at NCCC Hardwaremaxx in Calinan last September 6.
According to the resolution, a security guard of the mall was frisking Onggona when the respondent allegedly joked about thoroughly inspecting the respondent's companion because the latter was carrying a bomb.
"Chief i-check ug maayo ang akong kauban kay naa nay dala bomba (Chief please thoroughly check my companion for he has a bomb)," the respondent was quoted saying as he referred to his companion who was wearing a white shirt and maong pants, according to the resolution.
With the recent incident at the Roxas Night Market, the remark alerted the security guard who immediately frisked Onggona's companion but failed to see any bomb from his possession. The guard then halted the respondent and called the police for assistance.
Authorities also filed another complaint against Floria Jose Labao, 33, a resident of Artiaga St., Barangay 36-D, Davao City last Wednesday afternoon for allegedly making bomb jokes in the presence of a security guard at Victoria Plaza.
Based on the police report, the mall's security guard was inspecting Labao and politely told her, "Excuse me ma'am, pwede nako ma-check ang imong bag ma'am (Can I check your bag?)."
It was when the guard was opening Labao’s bag when the respondent allegedly joked that her bag contains a bomb by saying, "Hala naay bomba (Oh, there's a bomb)".
The remark had allegedly caused alarm to the security guard and the window shoppers in the area who overheard the statement. It prompted the officer to report the incident to the police which led the respondent's arrest.
The case against Labao, which was filed through inquest proceeding Wednesday, is being resolved by Prosecutor Mariza delos Santos-Jaugan. (KVC)