Manila: The Philippine National Police Anti-Cybercrime Group (PNP ACG) has apprehended a 40-year-old man in Batangas for allegedly making an online bomb threat against the PNP-ACG headquarters.

According to Philippines News Agency, ACG chief Brig. Gen. Bernard Yang announced in a press briefing at Camp Crame that the suspect, known as 'Harvey,' was arrested on September 10 through a warrant issued by the Batangas City Regional Trial Court. The bomb threat was initially received by the ACG on March 4 via an online messaging app. Yang stated that the suspect attempted to evade arrest by using multiple social media accounts.

Yang further explained that the suspect seemed to be testing the capabilities of the Anti-Cybercrime Group to track and identify him. He also revealed that the suspect had been involved in altercations, chasing people with a knife.

Meanwhile, Yang emphasized the PNP-ACG's ongoing efforts to monitor online activities related to the September 21 anti-corruption protests. He noted that while encouraging participation in the rallies is permissible, any actions that could potentially violate the law are subject to investigation.

Maj. Gen. Anthony Aberin, National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) chief, assured the public of the NCRPO's readiness to maintain peace and order during the protests. He highlighted the deployment of Civil Disturbance Management Units and the preparation of a comprehensive security plan for the rallies. Furthermore, PNP acting chief Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr. has ordered the deployment of over 50,000 personnel nationwide to secure the events, with nearly 2,200 teams stationed in Metro Manila.

Aberin advised citizens to exercise caution when participating in such events, emphasizing that the right to freedom of expression is not without limits. However, he reassured protesters that the police would practice maximum tolerance.