SURVIVING THE BOMB SCARE

Aldwyn, a friend who is managing a Human outlet in SM Cebu, said that the bomb scare has now reached Cebu City. I responded by saying that while we should take it seriously, we should continue doing our regular routine but take extra pre-caution. These people who do these things would be too happy if they feel that they succeeded in scaring us.

So in order to take these extra pre-caution, here's some tip from the Philippine Daily Inquirer :

How to spot a bomb
Posted: 0:20 AM (Manila Time) | Oct. 20, 2002
By TJ Burgonio
Inquirer News Service

AN INFORMED citizenry is the best weapon against terrorism. Law enforcement agencies need the help of ordinary citizens in spotting possible bombs and minimizing the damage caused by a bomb explosion.

Here are some tips from the Philippine National Police Firearms and Explosives Division and the US National Security Institute:


Indicators of a possible bomb:

1. Strange, unusual, unattended baggage, bags, boxes or parcels.

2. Tightly wrapped and compact packages or parcels.

3. Oily stains on an envelope or wrapping.

4. A ticking sound similar to that of a clock is heard from a baggage, bag, box or parcel.

5. Presence of electric wires, plastic cord and batteries in a baggage, bag or box.

6. Delivery of unexpected package or parcel.

7. Keep in mind that bombs can be constructed to look like almost anything and can be placed or delivered in many ways.

Don'ts

1. Don't panic.

2. Don't touch the suspected incendiary device or bomb.

3. Don't move or attempt to open suspicious or unattended packages.

4. Don't receive any package, bag, box or parcel from strangers.

5. In case of actual explosion, don't tamper with the debris.

Do's

1. Move at least 300 feet away from the bomb.

2. Turn off electrical and gas units when possible.

3. Report immediately the presence of suspicious packages to the building administrator or chief security officer of the establishment or any security guard or uniformed personnel.

4. Call the nearest military or police station.

In case a bomb threat is called in ...

1. Keep the caller on line as long as possible. Record every word spoken by the caller.

2. Ask the caller where the bomb is located and what time it will detonate.

3. Pay attention to background noises, such as motors running or music playing, which may give a clue as to the location of the caller.

4. Listen closely to the caller's voice (male, female), voice quality (calm, excited), accent, speech impediment.

5. Report the information immediately to the authorities.

6. Remain available. Law enforcers will want to interview you.

Contact numbers

In Metro Manila, the public may call 117.

· PNP Central Operations Center (+63 2) 722-0540, 721-8613; cell phone 0919-8662505, 0917-7479800

· NCRPO Tactical Operations Center (+63 2) 929-8591, 925-4823, cell phone (+63) 917-8413752

· Pacer Operations Center (+63 2) 724-7378

· EOD, Camp Crame (+63 2) 721-8544, 723-0401 loc 4514.

In the provinces, contact the chief of police or the fire department.