• RICHARD T. CABALLERO JR.
Two state universities in Himamaylan and Kabankalan City faced bomb threats, the Police Regional Office Negros Island Region (PRO-NIR) confirmed yesterday as they intensified their anti-cybercrime operations in response.
Based on a police investigation, at around 12:59 p.m. on Wednesday, the Western Visayas State University – Himamaylan Campus received a bomb threat through a message, citing “unfair treatment of faculty and staff toward students.”
The police were able to identify the sender of the message, who was also a student of the university. However, the student told authorities that his social media account was hacked prior to the incident.
Meanwhile, at approximately 1:30 a.m. yesterday, November 20, the Central Philippines State University in Kabankalan City received the same threat. However, the investigation into the origin of the message is still underway.
Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD)-K9 teams and local personnel responded to both incidents, where paneling results came back negative, police said.
In light of the recent threats, Police Regional Director PBrig. Gen. Arnold Thomas Ibay has ordered the immediate activation of intensified cyber-monitoring, digital forensics support, and technical investigation protocols.
These measures aim to ensure that all bomb threats, whether sent online, via mobile messaging, or anonymously, can be traced and acted upon swiftly.
“Our priority is public safety. We are working closely with our cybercrime investigators and ICT specialists to identify the sources of these threats and ensure that perpetrators are held accountable,” Ibay said, ensuring that the swift deployment of EOD and K9 units will be made if the same report occurs.
The police assure the public that all reported threats are treated with utmost seriousness, and all security protocols are in place to protect communities across the region, as they plead for public participation.
“We call on the public to remain calm, vigilant, and cooperative. False bomb threats disrupt peace and can cause undue panic, but they are crimes with serious consequences. PRO NIR will relentlessly pursue those who spread fear through digital means,” it said in a statement.*
