3 rapped for cracking bomb joke during Pope Francis’ visit in PHL

A huge crowd faces a long barrier of policemen as they patiently wait for the motorcade of Pope Francis to pass by along Roxas Boulevard, Manila on Thursday (January 15, 2015). (PNA photo by Jess M. Escaros Jr.)

MANILA — The Manila Police District (MPD) on Monday filed before the Manila City Prosecutor’s Office (MCPO) a criminal case against three individuals who cracked a bomb joke during Pope Francis’ visit in the Philippines.

A case for violation of Presidential Decree No. 1727, which declares as unlawful the malicious dissemination of false information or the willful making of any threat concerning bombs, explosives etc. was filed against Ellyn Ventura, 26, from Zamboanga City; Erlinda Sison, 27, medical secretary and a native of Pangasinan; and Albert Corpuz, 21, a housemaid, also from Pangasinan.

The three were taken to the MCPO to undergo inquest proceedings.

An inquest is an informal and summary investigation conducted by the public prosecutor in a criminal case involving a person arrested and detained without the benefit of a warrant of arrest for the purpose of determining whether the person should remain under custody and be charged in court.

The three were arrested on Sunday around 12:30 p.m. after witnesses heard the three talking “Bakit ako, may dalang bomba, bakit hindi nila nadetect?” (I brought a bomb, why didn’t they detect it?) Followed by “Ako din may dalang .45… pesos,” (I also brought .45… pesos) and “Ako din, may dalang .38… pesos.” (Me, too, I brought .38… pesos)

The police said they told the three that they could have caused alarm and stampede but the three only laughed.

If convicted, the penalty face imprisonment of not more than five years or a fine of Php40,000 or both upon the discretion of the court that will handle the case.