PRO3 INTENSIFIES DRIVE VS BOMB THREAT HOAXES IN CENTRAL LUZON SCHOOLS

BY KEVN GALANG

THE Police Regional Office 3 (PRO3) has intensified its efforts to identify and arrest individuals behind a series of bomb threat hoaxes targeting schools across Central Luzon.

PRO3 director Brig. Gen. Jess B. Mendez warned that those responsible will face criminal charges.

The Central Luzon police said it has maintained heightened security measures since May 1 following a string of bomb threat reports involving schools  in the region.

From May 1 to date, police have recorded 47 bomb threat reports involving schools, all of which were eventually confirmed to be hoaxes.

Despite the findings, authorities said every report was treated as a genuine security threat, prompting the immediate deployment of police personnel, Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) teams, K9 units and emergency responders.

Authorities said the bomb threat hoaxes resulted in class disruptions and the diversion of police resources that could otherwise have been used for other public safety and law enforcement operations.

PRO3 said its EOD and K9 teams have been working closely with school officials, local government units and other partner agencies in responding to reported threats.

Meanwhile, the Regional Anti-Cybercrime Unit 3 (RACU 3) has been tracing the sources of threatening messages sent through social media, email, messaging applications and other digital platforms.

The investigation has already resulted in the arrest of two 18-year-old suspects – one in Bulacan and another in Nueva Ecija. Both are facing appropriate criminal charges.

Mendez said the arrests demonstrate that individuals who use anonymous accounts or electronic devices to spread fear can still be identified and held accountable.

“Bomb threats are not pranks—they are criminal acts,” Mendez said, stressing that each hoax has consequences for students, teachers, parents and the police.

“Everyone of those reports disrupted classes, caused fear among students, parents, and teachers, and diverted police resources from genuine emergencies. Enough is enough,” he added.

The Central Luzon top cop warned that authorities would continue pursuing those responsible for the threats in coordination with PRO3 operating units and RACU 3.

Mendez reminded the public that making bomb threats and spreading false information that causes public alarm may be punishable under existing laws.

The police official particularly urged students and social media users to exercise responsibility when using digital platforms.

“A message sent in jest can shut down schools, traumatize children, alarm parents and teachers, and waste government resources,” Mendez said.

He urged the public to think carefully before posting, sending or sharing content that could trigger fear or panic.

PRO3 also called on school officials, parents, students and community members to remain vigilant and refrain from spreading unverified information about alleged threats.

Police advised anyone who receives suspicious messages, calls or information related to possible threats to immediately report them to the nearest police station or through the 911 emergency hotline.