N. Sulawesi governor receives Christmas bomb threats

North Sulawesi Governor Sinyo Harry Sarundajang says he has received many text messages on suicide bomb threats to take place during Christmas celebrations at several churches in the province.

Senders of the text messages said at least six suicide bombers would target several churches in Manado and Bitung, he told tempo.co on Thursday night.

Sarundajang said people should not worry about the threats, but called on them to remain alert.

He had also asked the police to work in cooperation with church officials to provide safety during the Christmas celebrations.

North Sulawesi Police chief Brig.Gen. Carlo Brix Tewu said that he would deploy two police officers to guard each church in the predominantly Christian province.