Bomb jokes on buses banned in Southern Mindanao

DAVAO CITY – Bomb pranksters in buses, you’re next.

Southern Mindanao regional police director Andres Caro II emphasized that Presidential Decree 1727, otherwise known as the Anti-False Bomb Threat or Bomb Joke Law, should also be strictly implemented among bus-riding public and not just airline or ship passengers.

This after two brothers were arrested in Digos City, Davao del Sur last Saturday after they cracked a loud “bomb joke” while inside a Metro Shuttle Bus that sent other passengers into a panic, causing a stampede.

Prior to this, several passengers also suffered injuries when they were forced to jump out of the Holiday Bus in Barangay Ulas after one of the passengers jokingly shouted “bomba, bomba” (bomb, bomb).

Caro said people should understand that the Bomb Joke Law is not only applicable to airlines and passenger shipping lines but also to other public conveyances such as jeepneys, buses and trains as it also covers public places like markets, churches and bus terminals.

Penalties for violators of PD 1727 include imprisonment of up to five years, a fine of up to P40,000, or both.

Caro said that while it is true that people should be alert to bomb threats, especially after last month’s bombing that ripped through a Weena Bus in Bansalan, Davao del Sur that killed eight people and injured several others, it does not give anyone a reason to crack bomb jokes.

“It is true that we have to be extra alert about bomb threats. But save for those who are really sincere and are really being truthful in alerting everyone of a bomb threat, there is no reason we should not go after those who just make fun of others through those bomb jokes,” Caro said.