Bomb threat hoax: Iloilo Capitol, City Hall cleared safe

By Mariela Angella Oladive and Jennifer P. Rendon

Authorities declared a bomb threat targeting the Iloilo Provincial Capitol and Iloilo City Hall a hoax, after a security inspection on June 14 found no explosive devices, officials confirmed Monday, June 15.

The threat stemmed from a Facebook post on Sunday, June 14, allegedly made by an account identified as “Djbobzkie Montero,” claiming bombs would be planted at the two government buildings.

The Public Information Office of the Iloilo City Government reported the post to authorities at around 11 a.m. that day, prompting an immediate security response.

Multiple law enforcement units responded, including the City Explosives and Canine Unit (CECU) under the Iloilo City Police Office (ICPO); the Philippine National Police (PNP) Regional Explosive Ordnance Disposal and Canine Unit 6; the Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) team; the Police Regional Office 6 (PRO-6) K-9 team; and personnel from the Iloilo Police Provincial Office (IPPO).

A thorough inspection and security assessment were conducted on the afternoon of June 14, after which both buildings were cleared and the threat was confirmed a hoax.

Provincial Administrator Raul Banias said authorities immediately conducted bomb detection operations and coordinated with police officials to assess the credibility of the threat.

“The personnel who were left at the Capitol were alarmed after we received information about the bomb threat. As part of the response, inspections were conducted, they used sniffing dogs, and it was later determined that the threat was a hoax,” Banias said in an interview.

Banias said the threat alert has been lifted and that normal operations at the Capitol have resumed, though police personnel remain deployed to assist the Capitol’s security team and maintain heightened vigilance.

Authorities have yet to determine the motive behind the post, Banias said.

“We don’t know the motivation behind it, but we are quite alarmed. I hope we can put a stop to these cyber threats because they are very disruptive to our operations,” he said.

During a press conference Monday, June 15, Police Brig. Gen. Randulf Tuaño, chief of the Police Regional Office 6 (PRO-6) for Western Visayas, vowed to pursue whoever was behind the hoax.

“This has to stop,” Tuaño said, adding that PRO-6 would file charges against the perpetrator.

Tuaño cited the technical capabilities of the PNP Regional Anti-Cybercrime Unit (RACU-6) in tracing the suspect’s identity.

He added that authorities would treat every bomb threat with the same seriousness, citing the toll such hoaxes take on government resources.

“Malaki ang nawawalang resources mula sa gobyerno dahil sa mga bomb threats na ito,” Tuaño said, noting that the government loses significant resources because of such bomb threats.

IPPO Director Police Col. Bayani Razalan said the IPPO, the ICPO, and the RACU-6 are jointly coordinating to identify the person behind the Facebook post, with investigators examining digital evidence and online activity linked to the account.

ICPO Director Police Col. Wilbert Parilla reminded the public that posting threats online is a serious offense punishable under existing laws.

“False threats create unnecessary fear, disrupt government operations, and consume valuable public resources. We will pursue appropriate legal action against individuals who endanger public safety through irresponsible online posts, as the evidence warrants,” Parilla said.

He urged social media users to exercise responsibility when posting online.

Under Philippine law, individuals found responsible for making false bomb threats may face criminal charges, particularly when such acts cause public alarm, disrupt government operations, or endanger public safety.

Authorities continue to monitor online platforms and are encouraging the public to report suspicious or threatening posts to the nearest police station or through the ICPO hotlines at 0908-377-0194 and 335-0299.