Pasig RTC security tightens after judges receive threats
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Pasig RTC security tightens after judges receive threats
MANILA — Security at the Pasig Regional Trial Court (RTC) was significantly tightened on Thursday after several judges received online threats.
MANILA — Security at the Pasig Regional Trial Court (RTC) was significantly tightened on Thursday after several judges received online threats.
The Pasig City police confirmed that a warning was sent through the official court Gmail account on the morning of July 16, containing a vague but alarming message.
The Pasig City police confirmed that a warning was sent through the official court Gmail account on the morning of July 16, containing a vague but alarming message.
“May mga online threats sa mga RTC judges... Binabalaan 'yung mga judges na something bad will happen to them,” said Police Col. Hendrix Mangaldan, chief of the Pasig City police.
“May mga online threats sa mga RTC judges... Binabalaan 'yung mga judges na something bad will happen to them,” said Police Col. Hendrix Mangaldan, chief of the Pasig City police.
(There were online threats to RTC judges... There was a warning to the judges that something bad will happen to them)
(There were online threats to RTC judges... There was a warning to the judges that something bad will happen to them)
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The email reportedly stated that “judges will fall,” though it did not name specific individuals.
The email reportedly stated that “judges will fall,” though it did not name specific individuals.
As a precaution, the Philippine National Police immediately increased their presence in and around the Hall of Justice. Police officers have been stationed at key entry points, and the building’s perimeter is now under stricter surveillance.
As a precaution, the Philippine National Police immediately increased their presence in and around the Hall of Justice. Police officers have been stationed at key entry points, and the building’s perimeter is now under stricter surveillance.
Coordination is also ongoing with the police Anti-Cybercrime Group for a digital forensic investigation to trace the source of the email.
Coordination is also ongoing with the police Anti-Cybercrime Group for a digital forensic investigation to trace the source of the email.
“We cannot ignore these threats. We take them seriously,” Mangaldan added.
“We cannot ignore these threats. We take them seriously,” Mangaldan added.
Among the high-profile cases being heard at the Pasig RTC is the case of Pastor Apollo Quiboloy, who is facing a human trafficking case.
Among the high-profile cases being heard at the Pasig RTC is the case of Pastor Apollo Quiboloy, who is facing a human trafficking case.
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Following today’s hearing, his legal counsel denied any connection to the threat.
Following today’s hearing, his legal counsel denied any connection to the threat.
“We’d like to make it clear na ang Kingdom of Jesus Christ po, wala pong kakayahan o kapangyarihan na gumawa ng ganyang klaseng threat. In fact, we are hoping na ma-grant 'yung bail ni Pastor Apollo,” said Atty. Israelito Torreon in an interview with ABS-CBN News.
“We’d like to make it clear na ang Kingdom of Jesus Christ po, wala pong kakayahan o kapangyarihan na gumawa ng ganyang klaseng threat. In fact, we are hoping na ma-grant 'yung bail ni Pastor Apollo,” said Atty. Israelito Torreon in an interview with ABS-CBN News.
(The Kingdom of Jesus Christ has no capacity or power to make that kind of threat)
(The Kingdom of Jesus Christ has no capacity or power to make that kind of threat)
While the investigation continues, police have reminded the public to act responsibly online and to avoid spreading fear or misinformation.
While the investigation continues, police have reminded the public to act responsibly online and to avoid spreading fear or misinformation.
“Let’s always think before we click. Online threats can cause real harm and lead to serious consequences,” said Mangaldan.
“Let’s always think before we click. Online threats can cause real harm and lead to serious consequences,” said Mangaldan.
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For now, authorities remain on alert to ensure the safety of judges, court staff, and the public within the Justice Hall.
For now, authorities remain on alert to ensure the safety of judges, court staff, and the public within the Justice Hall.
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