MANILA, Philippines — Employees of the Supreme Court and the Court of Appeals on Thursday gathered outside their offices at Padre Faura in Manila, following an "unannounced drill" that simulated a "fire and bomb threat evacuation."

Members of the Manila Police District, Explosive Ordnance Department and Coast Guard K9 Units inspected the buildings and closed down the area.

"The Acting Chief Justice, with the approval of the en banc, conducted an unannounced fire and bomb threat evacuation drill at the Supreme Court and Court of Appeals today, August 29, 2024, at around 2:45p.m.," the message read.

A member of the High Court's public information office told The Manila Times that employees have since returned to their offices, following the drill.