Bacolod boosts school security after bomb threats

By Glazyl M. Jopson

BACOLOD CITY — The city government condemned recent bomb and online threats targeting teachers at Mariano G. Medalla Integrated School in Barangay Pahanocoy and reaffirmed its zero-tolerance policy for acts that endanger students and educators.

In a statement issued Tuesday, Mayor Greg Gasataya said the city was coordinating closely with the Bacolod City Police Office to identify those responsible and protect school communities.

Police Maj. Rondyl Tapang, commander of Police Station 8, said authorities first received a report about an online threat against teachers after a student received a social media message from an account using a fictitious name.

Around noon, a separate bomb threat was reported through the city’s 911 hotline, prompting school officials to suspend classes.

Police officers and members of the Explosive Ordnance Disposal and Canine Unit immediately secured the campus and conducted a thorough inspection.

No explosive device or hazardous material was found, and authorities later declared the school safe, Tapang said.

Despite indications that the threats may have been a hoax, Tapang said authorities treat every report seriously because the safety of students and teachers remains their top priority.

Tapang said the threat against teachers resembled an incident reported earlier this month at a public high school in Barangay Tangub.

Although the sender in the earlier incident later apologized, investigators were unable to identify the person responsible.

Cybercrime investigators are working to trace the source of the latest threats, which police suspect may have originated from a student.

Tapang urged schools to tighten security by inspecting students’ bags and encouraging teachers to watch for unusual behavior among learners.

The city is preparing to install handheld and walk-through metal detectors in all elementary and secondary schools.

Police have also been conducting security briefings and emergency response seminars for school administrators, teachers, and students to improve preparedness.

The city had previously announced plans to strengthen police visibility, campus emergency response teams, bag inspections, and other safeguards following recent school-related violence and threats.

Under Presidential Decree No. 1727, knowingly making or spreading false bomb threats is punishable by up to five years in prison, a fine of up to PHP 40,000, or both.

The latest incident marks the fourth reported security threat involving Bacolod schools this month, according to authorities.