Truth Behind Viral SM Mall Bomb Threat; Public Reactions

Last week, photos of an alleged police memo circulated online, claiming that the Abu Sayyaf had threatened to bomb an undetermined branch of SM Supermalls. The photos came in several versions. One was shown on plain paper while another showed a memo on what looked like an official Philippine National Police letterhead. After information reached major media outlets, SM officially issued a statement denying that such a threat has been made.

SM Viral Bomb Threat Verified To Be A Hoax

According to the official statement of SM, “the information being re-circulated has been verified to be a hoax thru a joint investigation of our company and the local PNP in several areas.” The statement also stated that said information about the alleged bomb threat “did not come from any SM Officer.”

As the hoax went viral, the public could not help but react to it. Most reactions showed a sense of fear, with people saying that the public should avoid going to SM. Others however questioned whether the information was true but also called for continued vigilance. Only a few hinted that this was meant to sow fear among the public.

SM on the other hand addressed this directly, saying that they “continue to stay alert and committed to the security and well-being of customers, tenants and employees at all times.”

Fear Mongering?

One of the photos in question reportedly came from the PNP Directorate for Intelligence, supposedly signed by a police official. It quoted a message that SM received from the terror group asking for $15 million in exchange for not bombing their branches.

Another version of the photo made the rounds on social media, mainly through Facebook’s personal message sections. This one showed a memo allegedly issued by the acting Provincial Director, stating that the Regional Police Information Office received information about the threat. It then ordered local police to “monitor activities” in “known Muslim enclaves” in their respective areas.

This prompted the PNP to likewise call on citizens to stop spreading the photos and any misinformation related to them. They also called on the public to “remain calm and vigilant.”