Metro Manila, Philippines – The National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) has directed units to intensify bomb threat awareness efforts in schools, warning culprits of legal consequences.
In a statement on Sunday, Oct. 25, NCRPO officer-in-charge PBGen Christopher Abrahano noted the importance of making sure that schools and responding offices are prepared to handle threats promptly and swiftly.
“We need schools to know exactly whom to contact, how to report threats, when to activate emergency measures and how to work with responding authorities,” he added.
The University of Santo Tomas received a bomb threat on Friday, Oct. 23. Students and staff were evacuated and in-person classes were suspended the next day.
The university confirmed in a post that no explosives were found during the inspection by the Philippine National Police Explosive Ordnance Disposal unit.
Abrahano said awareness initiatives must include proper reporting procedures, swift coordination with legal enforcement, and comprehensive security checks before schools resume normal operations.
Schools and security teams were also instructed to preserve potential evidence and avoid circulating information that could fuel public fear.
“We will take every threat seriously, pursue available leads, and hold those responsible accountable under the law. Do not use our schools as venues for intimidation or disruption,” said Abrahano.
The NCRPO urged schools and the public to relay suspicious communication through official channels and refrain from spreading threat messages on social media.
NewsWatch Plus intern Alliah Lyn Reyes contributed to this report.
