Members of Davao City Police bomb squad checks on the alleged bomb inside the school which ended up to be false alarm.-DCPO photo
DAVAO CITY – Police officers from Bajada Police Station 18 and the Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) K9 Unit swiftly responded to a bomb threat at a private school on Cabaguio Avenue, Davao City, on the morning of November 14.
The threat, sent via a message to the school’s official account, claimed that a group of students had allegedly planted an explosive device on campus, causing anxiety among students and teachers.
The Davao City Police later confirmed that the threat was a false alarm, finding no explosive devices on the premises.
According to Police Captain Hazel Tuazon, spokesperson of the Davao City Police Office, the initial message suggested that students had allegedly planted a bomb the previous night and were planning to plant another that day.
“We have already conducted an investigation, and the anonymous source is now assisting officers at Bajada Police Station in identifying those students,” she said. “It’s possible the informant personally saw or heard these individuals and reported it to the school in Cabaguio.”
The police are actively investigating to identify the students involved in making the threat. Captain Tuazon warned that under Presidential Decree 1727, making bomb threats is punishable by up to five years of imprisonment and a fine of PHP 40,000. She emphasized the seriousness of such threats, noting that they are not mere jokes and carry severe legal consequences.
“We can detain those who make bomb threats and bring them to the nearest police station based on the crime they committed. Such threats are not to be taken lightly, especially in public spaces like schools,” Tuazon said.
As a precaution, classes at the school were temporarily suspended, and the administration has yet to announce when they will resume.
Tuazon also relayed a message from Acting Davao City Police Director Colonel Hansel Marantan, who advised station commanders to maintain direct communication with school administrators to ensure swift assistance if any issues arise. “Direct communication with school heads and principals is essential for timely support,” Tuazon added.
The news team is awaiting a formal statement from the school regarding the incident.
The Davao City Police urge the public to refrain from making threats or jokes that could incite panic or endanger the community, reminding everyone that such actions come with serious legal consequences.
About Eugene Hinutan
Eugene Hinutan, took his Mass Communication course at the University of Mindanao.
