• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
The Philippine National Police (PNP) has reiterated its warning to individuals responsible for making false bomb threats, whether through social media or other platforms, that they may face criminal charges, following another bomb scare in Negros Occidental.
Authorities conducted security inspections at several key establishments in San Carlos City on July 11 after an alleged bomb threat was posted in the Facebook public group “6127 Marketplace San Carlos City” by an account identified as “Jim San.”
The post threatened to plant bombs in schools and other establishments, including the Empire One BPO and at an ongoing job fair.
In response, police launched a bomb detection operation with assistance from the Philippine Coast Guard, which deployed a bomb detection canine.
After thorough inspections, authorities confirmed that no explosive devices or suspicious objects were found in any of the identified locations, according to the Police Regional Office-Negros Island Region (PRO-NIR).
The San Carlos City Component City Police Station is coordinating with the Regional Anti-Cybercrime Unit of PRO-NIR to identify the individual behind the Facebook account that allegedly made the bomb threat.
Other concerned government agencies are also assisting in the ongoing investigation.
The incident comes just two weeks after security threats prompted the suspension of face-to-face classes in two schools in Bacolod City and a university in Negros Oriental.
The PNP urged the public to remain calm, avoid spreading unverified information, and rely only on official announcements from the police and school authorities.
It emphasized that the dissemination of false information or fabricated bomb threats creates unnecessary panic, disrupts school operations, and may result in legal action against those responsible. | GPB
