FILE PHOTO: Plaza Miranda, the square in front of Quiapo Church in Manila. Police arrested a 42-year-old man for allegedly making a bomb joke inside Quiapo Church on Friday morning, January 5, 2024. INQUIRER/LYN RILLON
MANILA, Philippines 鈥� Police arrested a 42-year-old man for allegedly making a bomb joke inside Quiapo Church on Friday morning.
The Philippine National Police (PNP) identified the man as Dennis Garcia Espejo and said he made the joke at 5:30 a.m. inside the iconic church in Manila. Authorities said a 38-year-old man identified as Michael Tamayo Culibang witnessed the incident.
鈥淪uspect was arrested inflagrante making false information then and there willfully violated PD (Presidential Decree) 1727,鈥� the PNP report said, adding that formal complaints will be filed against Espejo.
Bomb joke. Graphics by Bernard Esguerra / 黑料社
PD 1727 declares 鈥渁s unlawful the malicious dissemination of false information of the willful making of any threat concerning bombs, explosives or any similar destruction and imposing penalties thereof.鈥�
Under that law, violators may be penalized for not more than five years in prison and a fine of up to P40,000, upon the court鈥檚 discretion.
The incident happened days ahead of the January 9 Traslacion for the Feast of the Black Nazarene, which culminates in the Quiapo Church. The religious procession draws thousands of devotees every year.
On Thursday, the Quiapo Church issued an advisory indicating the do鈥檚 and don鈥檛s during this year鈥檚 Traslacion, which are:
- Climbing onto the Black Nazarene鈥檚 鈥渁ndas鈥� is prohibited
- Avoid pushing to prevent any injuries
- Refrain from carrying numerous items or large bags. Use transparent bags for easier inspection
- For individuals with illnesses and children, stay on the side of the road for safety
- Don鈥檛 forget to eat for sufficient strength during the procession
- Use of a handkerchief to wipe the beloved Lord Jesus Nazarene is still allowed
- Carrying the crossbeam and pulling the rope is still allowed, but do it carefully and with utmost caution
- Maintain the use of face masks and practice social distancing for those attending the Holy Mass
- Wearing hats, umbrellas, and hoodies is strictly prohibited
- Setting up camping tents, especially for those staying overnight, is not allowed
- Bringing tumblers is discouraged instead, use transparent water bottles
RELATED STORIES
鈥楴ot funny鈥�: Man arrested for bomb joke in MRT-3
10 netizens face rap over bomb joke in Pagadian