Another hoax bomb threat suspect charged in Iloilo

By Jennifer P. Rendon

Another individual has been charged in connection with a hoax bomb threat sent to a school in Iloilo City more than a week ago.

A suspect identified only as Cate, a resident of Iloilo City, allegedly sent the threat to Ramon Avanceña National High School in Arevalo on November 18.

The Regional Anti-Cybercrime Unit 6 filed a case against the suspect for violating Presidential Decree 1727, or the Anti-Bomb Joke Law, in relation to Section 6 of Republic Act 10175, or the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012, before the Iloilo City Prosecutor’s Office on November 27.

Lieutenant Colonel Richard Adonis Habawel, RACU-6 regional director, said the case was filed after investigators recovered crucial digital evidence through extensive social media and cyber investigations.

He said the investigation was supported by a cyber warrant and a tip from a concerned citizen.

Habawel also acknowledged the technical assistance of the Department of Information and Communications Technology 6 and the National Telecommunications Commission 6, which he said were instrumental in tracing the online activity linked to the threat.

On November 26, the Oton Municipal Police Station filed a similar case against a teenager who sent a hoax bomb threat to Oton National High School.

Police said the suspect’s cellphone number, which was linked to a Facebook account, was tracked and used to identify him.

The Police Regional Office 6 said the bomb threat triggered fear and disrupted school operations, prompting the evacuation of students and staff and leading to a security sweep, though no explosives were found.

Brigadier General Josefino Ligan, Western Visayas police chief, reminded the public that bomb threats — whether made as a prank or with malicious intent — are serious offenses that endanger communities and waste government resources.

“We want to send a strong message: Bomb threats made online or offline will never be treated lightly. Our cyber capabilities are continuously improving, and anyone who attempts to sow fear through false threats will be held accountable,” he said.

Ligan urged the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious online activities to authorities through 911 or police hotlines.