Iloilo city: An investigation is ongoing to determine who is behind the series of bomb threats that has disrupted the conduct of classes in different schools in the city and province of Iloilo, and hold them accountable.

According to Philippines News Agency, the Police Regional Office in Western Visayas (PRO-6) recorded two bomb threats on Wednesday – at the Sambag, Jaro campus of the University of San Agustin in this city and at the Janiuay campus of the West Visayas State University. On Thursday morning, another threat was reported at the Iloilo City campus of the Iloilo Science and Technology University (ISAT U).

Following the threat, face-to-face classes at ISAT U shifted online, and faculty and non-teaching personnel were advised to work from home. The PRO-6 said the threats were all found to be false after thorough verification by the concerned police units, together with the Explosives and Ordnance Disposal (EOD) and Canine Units.

‘The safety of our students and school personnel is our top priority. We strongly condemn any act meant to sow fear and disrupt the peace in our communities. Let us remain calm, vigilant, and united in ensuring that our schools remain safe spaces for learning,’ PRO-6 director Brig. Gen. Josefino Ligan said in a statement.

The region’s top cop reminded that the malicious dissemination of false information or the willful making of threats involving bombs, explosives, or similar devices constitutes a criminal offense under Presidential Decree No. 1727, series of 1980, or the Anti-Bomb Joke Law. Violators may be imprisoned for up to five years, or fined for up to PHP40,000, or both at the discretion of the court.

‘PRO-6 reiterates its call to the public to refrain from spreading unverified information and to report any suspicious activities, items, or persons to 911 or to the nearest police station,’ Ligan said.