Aklan school receives bomb threat; probe underway

By Jennifer P. Rendon

After a two-week lull, the Police Regional Office 6 has recorded another hoax bomb threat.

This time, it targeted a private school in Kalibo, Aklan.

In a press statement, the Kalibo Municipal Police Station said it received a phone call from Saint Dominic English School in Barangay Estancia at around 9:58 a.m. on Dec. 4 reporting an alleged bomb threat.

Police said a 14-year-old student received the threat through a message from a Facebook user identified as “Abdul Louise.”

Members of the Kalibo police, led by Lt. Col. Jerick Vargas, responded to the school.

Vargas said he advised the school administrator to immediately evacuate all students, teachers and staff to ensure their safety.

The local police also sought assistance from the Explosive Ordnance Disposal/K9 Unit for threat assessment and paneling operations.

Personnel from the Bureau of Fire Protection–Kalibo and the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office joined the response.

At around 10:55 a.m., the EOD team declared the entire school premises clear after a thorough inspection.

An investigation is underway to identify and apprehend the person or persons behind the threat.

Vargas told the Daily Guardian that they already have a person of interest.

When asked if the individual is a student, he said, “We’re looking at that possibility. But we have to wait for the Regional Anti-Cybercrime Unit 6 to link our person of interest and the sender of the hoax bomb threat.”

Vargas urged the public to refrain from spreading unverified information and to report suspicious persons, items or activities to 911 or the nearest police station.

“The safety of our students and the people of Kalibo will always be our top priority,” he said. “We will continue to act swiftly and decisively against any threat to our community.”

Authorities said Thursday’s bomb threat was the first reported in Aklan in several years.

The Kalibo police reminded the public that the malicious dissemination of false information or the willful making of threats involving bombs or explosives is a criminal offense under Presidential Decree 1727.

Vargas said violators may face imprisonment of up to five years, a fine of up to PHP 40,000 or both at the court’s discretion.

Kalibo Mayor Juris Sucro has offered a reward of PHP 20,000 for information leading to the identification of the sender.

From Jan. 1 to Nov. 30, PRO 6 recorded 73 bomb threats, all of which turned out to be hoaxes.

From Nov. 12 to 20 alone, the Iloilo City Police Office recorded 34 bomb threats involving 20 schools and one commercial establishment.

During the same period, the Iloilo Police Provincial Office logged 27 threats involving 23 schools, a barangay hall and a town plaza.

Only two suspects have been charged in court.